Maharashtra Expands Cabinet, Sparks Mixed Reactions Among MLAs and Allies

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra expanded its ministry in Nagpur, with 39 new ministers sworn in, bringing the total to 42. The BJP secured 19 positions, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena got 11, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP received 9. However, key leaders like NCP’s Chhagan Bhujbal and BJP’s Sudhir Mungantiwar were excluded from the ministry.

Out of the 39 sworn in, 33 became cabinet ministers, while 6 were appointed as ministers of state. The Maharashtra Council of Ministers can have up to 43 members, including the Chief Minister.

Ajit Pawar Addresses Discontent Among MLAs

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar reassured MLAs upset about being excluded from the cabinet. He explained that some ministers would serve for only two and a half years, allowing others to take their place later. Pawar emphasized that while many aspire to become ministers, the limited number of positions makes it challenging to accommodate everyone.

Allies Voice Frustration

• Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, leader of the Republican Party of India (A), expressed disappointment that his party did not get a ministerial position. He reminded the BJP of its earlier assurance and demanded at least one ministry for his party.
• Narendra Bhondekar, an MLA from Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, resigned from his party role out of frustration for not being given a ministerial position. Bhondekar, who represents the Bhandara-Pavani Assembly constituency, remains an MLA but stepped down as Shiv Sena’s Vidarbha coordinator.

Next Steps for Cabinet Ministers

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that new ministers will be assigned portfolios within two to three days. The Mahayuti alliance has also agreed to conduct a “performance audit” of the ministers during their tenure to ensure accountability and efficiency.

The cabinet expansion comes just before the winter session of the Maharashtra legislature and reflects efforts to balance power among alliance members while managing dissatisfaction among those left out.