The much-awaited expansion of the BJP-led Maharashtra cabinet is scheduled for December 15, with 30-32 new ministers expected to take the oath at a ceremony in Nagpur, according to official sources.
The cabinet expansion comes just a day ahead of the week-long winter session of the state legislature, slated to begin on December 16 in Nagpur, Maharashtra’s second capital.
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The council of ministers in Maharashtra can have up to 43 members, including the chief minister. Sources indicate that the BJP is likely to secure 20-21 ministerial berths, while Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena may get 11-12 and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is expected to receive 9-10 berths, as PTI reported.
State BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule held separate meetings with deputy chief ministers Shinde and Pawar on Friday to finalise the cabinet lineup. Discussions were also held at Ajit Pawar’s residence, Deogiri bungalow, in south Mumbai, involving key NCP leaders.
The cabinet formation follows the Mahayuti alliance’s landslide victory in the November 20 assembly polls, where it won 230 out of 288 seats. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats, followed by Shinde’s Shiv Sena with 57 and Pawar’s NCP with 41.
The government formation has seen its share of political drama. While Shinde initially expressed reluctance to join the cabinet and preferred focusing on party organisation, he eventually agreed to take the post of deputy chief minister alongside Ajit Pawar.
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Shinde’s Shiv Sena has repeatedly sought the home portfolio, arguing it would reflect his stature within the government. However, the BJP has yet to agree to the demand.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, alongside Shinde, will play a key role in ensuring a smooth cabinet expansion ahead of the winter session, which is expected to witness discussions on critical policy issues.