Maha CM Uddhav appoints Shiv Sena MLA Ravindra Waikar as Chief Coordinator for his office

Shiv Sena MLA Ravindra Waikar on Saturday was appointed as Chief Coordinator for Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office and he will be holding rank of Cabinet Minister. appointment was made by Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Waikar- Oldest loyalist of CM Uddhav Thackeray

Waikar's responsibility would mainly involve coordinating with public representatives and Chief Minister on fast-tracking projects and fund allocations. Shiv Sena MLA, who is considered to be one of oldest loyalists of Chief Minister Thackeray, was earlier t made part of Maharashtra portfolio in expansion.

Since Thackeray too is new to administration, it is learned that he feels overburdened with office work and meetings. refore, he needs a political assistant, who will ease this pressure and hence this decision was taken. Waikar will also give his feedback and will pass key suggestions received by ministers, leaders and workers to CM. He will keep a check on officials in CM office to ensure fast processing of files pending at CM level.

A senior Sena functionary speaking to a news daily has said that  post of a Chief Coordinator was necessitated since three parties (Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP) have come toger to form government. “re are a lot of issues that MLAs and MPs are raising, and y all want quick resolutions.”

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previous Govt had adopted this model

In previous Devendra Fadnavis-led government, Ravindra Waikar held post of Minister of State, housing, higher and technical education minister. Waikar is Shivsena MLA from Mumbai Jogeshwari East constituency.

n Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis too had adopted this model. He had appointed BJP leader Shrikant Bhartiya in his office as an officer on special duty. Bhartiya worked as a bridge between BJP leaders, workers and CM office. He used to sit in CM office along with or OSDs.

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(with ANI inputs)