The Maharashtra government expanded its cabinet on Sunday, adding 39 ministers. This raised the total strength to 42 in the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. The swearing-in ceremony took place at Raj Bhavan in Nagpur. Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attended the event.
In the allocation, the BJP secured 19 ministerial positions. Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena got 11 berths, while Ajit Pawar’s NCP received 9. The council of ministers in Maharashtra is allowed a maximum of 43 members, including the chief minister.
Rotational Terms for Ministers
Ajit Pawar addressed party workers in Nagpur before the expansion. He stated that some ministers would serve for 2.5 years. Others would get opportunities for the remaining tenure. Pawar acknowledged the limited berths and emphasized fair representation.
“We want everyone to have a chance, but ministerial positions are limited,” he said.
Discontent Among MLAs
Despite the expansion, some MLAs were left disappointed. Prominent leaders like NCP’s Chhagan Bhujbal and BJP’s Sudhir Mungantiwar did not make it to the cabinet.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, leader of the Republican Party of India (A), expressed dissatisfaction. His party did not receive a single ministry despite prior assurances. “We performed well in the Vidhan Sabha elections. Devendra Fadnavis had promised one ministry for us. We demand representation,” Athawale stated.
Additionally, Shiv Sena MLA Narendra Bhondekar resigned from his party post. He was upset about being excluded from the cabinet. Bhondekar, representing Bhandara-Pavani, retained his assembly seat but stepped down as deputy leader and Vidarbha coordinator for Shiv Sena.
Portfolio Allocation and Accountability
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that portfolios for the new ministers would be finalized within three days. He also revealed that Mahayuti allies agreed to conduct a “performance audit” during the ministers’ tenure.
The cabinet expansion coincides with the winter session of the state legislature. While it strengthens the Mahayuti alliance, managing internal dissatisfaction remains a challenge.
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