Mahayuti Alliance Takes Charge in Maharashtra, Cabinet Expansion Expected Next Week
Mumbai: The Mahayuti alliance officially assumed power in Maharashtra on Thursday during a grand ceremony, with Devendra Fadnavis sworn in as Chief Minister and Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena) and Ajit Pawar (NCP) as Deputy Chief Ministers. The cabinet expansion is expected to take place on December 11 or 12, according to sources.
Both Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar are reportedly pushing for the same number of ministerial portfolios they held in the previous government. However, the BJP, buoyed by its strong performance in securing over 85% of Mahayuti’s tally, is not inclined to meet these demands.
Sources indicate that Shinde is vying for the Home and Urban Development Ministries, but the BJP is keen to retain these key portfolios and has instead offered Shinde the Revenue Ministry. Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar is likely to secure the Finance Ministry.
The BJP has reportedly conveyed to Eknath Shinde that they prefer to exclude leaders facing controversies or corruption allegations, such as Tanaji Sawant, Abdul Sattar, and Sanjay Rathod.
“The Shinde camp is reportedly dissatisfied with the BJP’s growing dominance,” a source revealed.
Ajit Pawar to Take Oath as Deputy Chief Minister for Sixth Time; Fadnavis Set to Lead Maharashtra Government
Ajit Pawar, set to be sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister for the sixth time on Thursday evening, brings extensive experience in handling the finance portfolio. Pawar previously held the same role in the outgoing government.
Devendra Fadnavis, BJP’s legislature party leader, will be sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra during a grand ceremony in Mumbai, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance. According to BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar, Fadnavis will take the oath alongside two Deputy Chief Ministers.
NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, who served as a minister in the outgoing government, stated that discussions on cabinet formation are underway, and the new ministry is expected to be finalized within a week.
The new government takes shape after two weeks of intense negotiations following the November 20 state assembly elections and the results announced on November 23.
In the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly elections, the BJP emerged as the largest party in the Mahayuti alliance, winning 132 seats. Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP also performed strongly, securing 57 and 41 seats, respectively.
