Mumbai: The urban development department (UDD) led by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and the general administration department (GAD) headed by CM Devendra Fadnavis have created confusion by appointing two different officials for the same post of BEST general manager holding additional charge. The UDD named additional municipal commissioner (city) Ashwini Joshi, while the GAD asked GST chief Ashish Sharma to take over the post.

According to reports by Chaitanya Marpakwar & Somit Sen, Joshi clarified that the GAD order appointing Ashish Sharma should be followed. Sharma was unavailable for comment.

BEST spokesperson Sudas Samant revealed that there was initial confusion as the UDD circular mentioned Joshi's appointment, but a subsequent GAD circular named Sharma instead.

The UDD later issued a statement confirming that the GAD decision would be effective. Following the retirement of BEST GM SVR Srinivas and in light of handling workers' union matters, UDD was considering assigning the additional charge to Ashwini Joshi (IAS).

However, the GAD, through an order dated August 5, assigned the additional charge to Ashish Sharma (IAS), indicating that the official orders for Joshi had not been officially issued by the UDD.

While urban local bodies fall under the UDD, postings and transfers are managed by the GAD.

Opposition parties Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) criticized the state government for the confusion. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar commented, "Mahayuti government's 'BEST coordination' is in question. The tug-of-war between CM Fadnavis and DCM Shinde over the GM position in BEST has become apparent."

Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray added, "The lack of coordination between CM and Shinde is concerning. If this basic coordination is lacking, how can they lead our state?"