On February 26, 2025, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis cleared the names of Officers on Special Duty (OSDs) and Personal Assistants (PAs) for ministers, leading to a stir within the ruling Mahayuti government, with tensions brewing over the rejection of several candidates.

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• CM Fadnavis announced the clearance of 109 OSD and PA candidates out of 125 proposed by ministers.
• 16 candidates were rejected due to reasons such as ongoing investigations, poor track records, or being labeled as fixers.
• Fadnavis emphasized that he will not approve tainted candidates, asserting that no fixers would be appointed even if it caused discomfort.
• The rejection of names sparked tensions, especially with Shiv Sena and NCP, with Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut claiming most rejected candidates were suggested by non-BJP ministers.
• Fadnavis’ move to take control over OSD/PA appointments comes amidst growing friction with Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and their parties.
• The general administration department, led by the CM, is responsible for appointing ministers’ staff, which includes one PA and three OSDs.
• PAs/OSDs must be government employees with a good track record, administrative experience, and communication skills.
• The CM’s rejection of names also highlights concerns over the growing influence of PAs/OSDs in dictating projects and policy decisions.
• The appointment of PAs and OSDs has been a sensitive issue, with allegations of corruption and favoritism in previous cases.
• Fadnavis defended his decision, citing the norms that dictate the final approval of these appointments.