2 Months on, Eknath Shinde still in CM Bungalow

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut created a flutter in political circles on Monday by asking why CM Devendra Fadnavis was not moving into Varsha, the CM’s official residence and alleging that there was a plan to demolish Varsha and construct a new bungalow there.

Two months after the state assembly election results, Dy CM Eknath Shinde is yet to vacate Varsha while Fadnavis is still staying at his old residence, Sagar.

Raut said, "Why is Devendra Fadnavis afraid to go to Varsha bungalow? Why is his family afraid? What has happened at Varsha bungalow that Fadnavis is afraid to go there? This is a matter of concern and research for the people of Maharashtra. I have not said anywhere that there will be lemons and chillies when Fadnavis goes there. ‘Varsha' is the official bungalow given by the govt to the chief minister, and Fadnavis is not ready to go to this bungalow. What exactly has happened there? Or was it created by those who were there before? This is a matter of concern for people of the state." Raut then alleged, "What has happened is that you have decided to demolish Varsha and build a new bungalow. I have reliable information, so I am raising this question. Something is going on... to demolish the entire building, dig up the place and build a new bungalow there."

As per a govt resolution, CM Fadnavis was allotted Varsha, the CM’s official residence and Dy CM Eknath Shinde is likely to retain Nandanvan and Agradoot bungalows that were with him in the outgoing govt. Dy CM Ajit Pawar has retained his Devgiri bungalow. Fadnavis has Sagar and Meghdoot bungalows allotted to him in the previous govt.

Sources said several Shinde Sena ministers were also upset that they have been given flats though some retired IAS officers have got bungalows. Last month the state allotted a prime and sought-after BMC hydraulic engineer’s bungalow at Malabar Hill to BJP minister Ashish Shelar.

Retired IAS officer and ex-municipal commissioner Praveen Pardeshi who is currently CEO of Maharashtra Institute for Transformation (MITRA) was allotted this bungalow in Aug 2023.