Maharashtra’s cabinet expansion is expected to take place on December 11 or 12, PTI reports, citing sources.
The expansion will likely see the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) retain the Finance portfolio, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will keep control of the Home department, according to the sources added.
The Shiv Sena, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, is set to retain the Urban Development portfolio and may also receive the Revenue department, according to party sources.
Maharashtra’s cabinet can have a maximum of 43 ministers, including the chief minister. The BJP, the largest party in the ruling Mahayuti alliance, is expected to secure 21-22 ministerial posts, while the Shiv Sena is likely to get 11-12 berths. The NCP is expected to receive 9-10 positions, sources said.
The final decision on the number of ministers taking the oath will be made in the coming days, a senior BJP leader said.
Newly-elected members of the legislative assembly will take their oaths at a special three-day session starting Saturday, overseen by pro-tem Speaker Kalidas Kolambkar.
The Speaker’s election will take place on December 9, followed by a trust vote for the new government and the Governor’s address to both Houses.
The winter session of the legislature will begin in Nagpur, the state’s second capital, on December 16.