The recent allocation of prime land to the Mumbai District Cooperative Bank by the Maharashtra state cabinet is a testament to the growing political influence of BJP leader Pravin Darekar within the Eknath Shinde government. Considered a close confidante of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Darekar’s political clout appears to be on the rise, securing him a key role in the ruling coalition.
While North Maharashtra leader and Rural Development Minister Girish Mahajan initially served as Fadnavis’ go-to man, Darekar has increasingly taken on that role in recent months. His sharp critiques of Fadnavis’ political rivals, both within the BJP and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), have earned him the trust and favor of the deputy CM. This was particularly evident when Darekar led the BJP’s counter-attack against activist Manoj Jarange, who had criticized Fadnavis for failing to provide reservation for the Maratha community.
Darekar’s political journey has been marked by shifts in allegiance. He began his career with the Shiv Sena but later joined the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) under Raj Thackeray. He was first elected to the assembly in 2009 from Magathane but lost the 2014 elections. Following this defeat, he joined the BJP under Fadnavis’ leadership and was subsequently appointed to the Upper House. During the MVA government, Darekar served as the Leader of the Opposition.
Following the formation of the Shinde-Fadnavis government, Darekar was promised a cabinet position or the chairmanship of the Legislative Council. However, due to the entry of Ajit Pawar into the government, his appointment was delayed. To pacify Darekar and fulfill his demands, Fadnavis took the initiative in securing the land allocation for the Mumbai Bank. This move underlines Darekar’s strategic significance within the ruling coalition and highlights his growing influence in Maharashtra politics.
