Today marks the expansion of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's cabinet in Maharashtra. Calls are being made to legislators set to join the cabinet. Notable calls have been received by legislators like Nitesh Rane, Pankaja Munde, and Girish Mahajan from the BJP. Shiv Sena and NCP legislators are also being contacted to join as ministers, and those called are confirmed to be part of the Fadnavis cabinet.
The swearing-in ceremony for the Fadnavis cabinet is slated for 4 PM today. A stage is set in Nagpur and other preparations are in progress. A total of 35 legislators from the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP quota in the 'Mahayuti' alliance are likely to become ministers. From the BJP quota, 20 legislators will be appointed as ministers, with some seats potentially left vacant. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena and NCP quotas are expected to appoint 13 and 10 legislators respectively. Additionally, Ashish Shelar, the BCCI treasurer, will also join the cabinet.
Also Read: Maharashtra Cabinet Expansion Today: 32 Ministers May Take Oath. Who Will Get the Home Ministry?
20 BJP Legislators to Become Ministers, Calls Made to Selected Candidates
13 Legislators from the Shiv Sena Quota to Take Ministerial Oath
Post-election, substantial tug-of-war was observed among alliance parties over the selection of a Chief Minister in Maharashtra. Reports suggested Eknath Shinde aspired for the Chief Minister's position, prompting persuasion efforts. However, in an interview with Amit Shah at ‘Aaj Tak,’ he clarified there was no cause for discontent as discussions were already concluded regarding the CM position. It is reported that 13 legislators from the Shiv Sena quota will join the Fadnavis cabinet. However, details regarding which ministry are yet clear, especially regarding the Home Ministry that Shiv Sena has its eyes on.
Eknath Shinde has retained responsibility for these five legislators.
New Names in Team Shinde
Legislators Whose Candidature Was Dropped
Also Read: Why Ajit Pawar gets more importance than Shinde in Fadnavis's reign? | Opinion
10 Legislators from the NCP Quota to Assume Ministerial Roles
It is expected that 10 legislators from the NCP quota will assume ministerial roles, with calls already made to six of them. Therefore, it is confirmed that these six will take the oath of ministerial office this evening. Ajit Pawar mentioned that the legislators sworn in today will be rotated after two and a half years.
