Maharashtra cabinet expansion: upset MLAs, Govt reassures & CM unveils ‘audit’ plan

Maharashtra’s recent cabinet expansion has sparked discontent among some MLAs left out of the new ministry. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar reassured those disappointed, stating that some ministers would serve for two and a half years, allowing others to take their place for the remainder of the term. The cabinet expansion, held in Nagpur, swore in 39 ministers, increasing the cabinet’s strength to 42. BJP received 19 ministerial positions, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena got 11, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP secured 9.

Some prominent figures like NCP’s Chhagan Bhujbal and Dilip Walse Patil, and BJP’s Sudhir Mungantiwar, were excluded. Meanwhile, 33 legislators became cabinet ministers, and six took ministerial posts as ministers of state. The council of ministers can have a maximum of 43 members, including the CM.

Ajit Pawar acknowledged the frustration of those left out, emphasizing that everyone deserves an opportunity but that ministerial positions are limited. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale voiced disappointment after his Republican Party of India (A) failed to secure a ministry despite previous promises. Athawale demanded at least one ministry for his party, citing their strong performance in the state elections.

Additionally, Narendra Bhondekar, an MLA from Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde faction, resigned from his party position in protest of being excluded from the cabinet, though he retained his seat in the assembly. This resignation followed the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance’s strong showing in Vidarbha, winning 47 of the 62 seats.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, after the expansion, stated that ministerial portfolios would be assigned within two to three days. He also announced a “performance audit” for ministers, to assess their effectiveness during their tenure. The cabinet expansion has set the stage for more political developments as Maharashtra’s ruling alliance adjusts to its newly expanded leadership.