Maharashtra is preparing for a Cabinet expansion, which is expected to take place on December 14, 2024, marking a significant political development in the state.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar were in New Delhi on December 11, holding discussions related to this expansion.
Pawar, who is also a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), met with party members Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel, though the reasons behind his visit were not officially disclosed.
However, sources suggest that he is likely to meet with key BJP leaders, including Union Minister Amit Shah, in connection with the Cabinet expansion talks.
While there were no confirmed updates regarding the specifics of the expansion, both Fadnavis and Pawar engaged in high-level meetings with prominent figures like Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, and BJP President J.P. Nadda.
Additionally, Fadnavis met with President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and plans were in place for him to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah as well.
These interactions are being seen as part of the ongoing negotiations related to the Cabinet overhaul in Maharashtra.
Eknath Shinde’s Stance on Key Portfolios
Among the ongoing discussions, one key issue remains the portfolio allocation, particularly concerning the Revenue portfolio.
Eknath Shinde, the current Deputy Chief Minister, is said to be insisting on securing the Revenue portfolio, alongside the key Urban Development department, which is expected to be allocated to him.
Shinde’s demand for the Revenue portfolio highlights the intense bargaining taking place behind the scenes as leaders navigate the complexities of coalition politics in Maharashtra.
Shiv Sena, which is part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, is also anticipating significant representation in the Cabinet expansion. Sources within the party suggest that Shiv Sena may receive around 11 to 12 ministerial berths.
The party has conveyed its expectations and made it clear that it will respect the final decision taken by the BJP leadership. There is, however, no official confirmation yet regarding the exact number of portfolios that Shiv Sena will secure.
A Potential Rotation of Ministers
As the Cabinet expansion approaches, there are also discussions within Shiv Sena regarding the rotation of ministers. Eknath Shinde is reportedly considering the idea of giving each minister a half-term in office, assessing their performance after 2.5 years, and then rotating them.
This idea is aimed at ensuring that ministers from Shiv Sena have an equal opportunity to hold key positions during their tenure, with the aim of preventing any dissatisfaction within the party ranks. However, this is still under discussion and has not yet been finalised.
This proposed rotation system reflects the growing aspirations within Shiv Sena, with various leaders looking to secure prominent positions in the state government. It also reflects Shinde's efforts to balance the demands of his party members while managing the expectations of the larger Mahayuti coalition.
What’s Next for the Maharashtra Government?
The anticipated Cabinet expansion comes at a crucial time, as the first session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly is set to take place in Nagpur from December 16.
The state government, at present, consists only of the Chief Minister and two Deputy Chief Ministers, which has led to growing pressure for a more comprehensive Cabinet.
After a resounding mandate in favour of the Mahayuti alliance, the various coalition partners have yet to agree on the final details of the Cabinet expansion, making the upcoming announcements highly awaited.
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