The mystery behind Room 602 in Mantralaya

January 02, 2020 14:15

So, what's the mystery behind Room 602 in Maharashtra's secretariat? And why did Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar choose not to occupy the room in Mantralaya? After all the sixth floor is the centre of power in the building since it houses the chief minister's office.

There's a one-word answer to these questions.

Superstition.

Room 602 is located opposite the Chief Ministers office and for a city were houses are pocket-hanky sized, is elephantine. At 3,000 sq ft it encompasses a conference room and a cabin.

Most politicians are superstitious -- they will hold the swearing-in at a particular time, they will only wear certain colours to vote and such. So, Room 602 is believed to jinx the political careers of those who occupy it.

In 2014, senior BJP leader Eknath Khadse occupied the roon when he held the charge of agriculture, revenue and minority affair. Two years on, he had to resign owing to his alleged involvement in a land grab case.

BJP leader Pandurang Fundkar occupied this room when he became the agriculture minister. he died in May 2018 of a heart attack.

Anil Bonde was given charge of the ministry but he lost the recently held assembly elections.

So, Maharashtra's deputy CM, who tried to write his own destiny with a short tryst with the BJP has now chosen to step back and rewrite his political career in a new office.

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