Mumbai: The much-anticipated expansion of the Maharashtra cabinet is likely to take place tomorrow, sources said. The swearing-in ceremony for the new cabinet is expected at 12 pm, subject to the Governor’s approval. The expansion comes ahead of the state assembly’s winter session, scheduled to begin on December 16 in Nagpur.
Portfolio distribution among allies
The cabinet reshuffle come after a power-sharing formula agreed upon by the BJP, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction. Ministerial berths are to be distributed in a 23-12-9 ratio among the three parties.
- BJP: 18 cabinet ministers, 5 ministers of state
- Shiv Sena (Shinde faction): 9 cabinet ministers, 3 ministers of state
- NCP (Ajit Pawar faction): 8 cabinet ministers, 1 minister of state
Sources said that the BJP is prepared to allocate only a limited number of portfolios to its allies, retaining key ministries for itself. The BJP is expected to keep control of the Home Affairs and Urban Development departments, while Revenue and PWD (Public Works Department) could be handed over to the Shiv Sena.
However, the Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena has expressed interest in securing the Urban Development portfolio. If the BJP and Shinde faction fail to reach an agreement, the BJP may retain Revenue while allocating Urban Development to the Shiv Sena.
Likely department allocation
- BJP:
Likely to retain control over crucial portfolios, including Home Affairs, Urban Development or Revenue, Law and Judiciary, General Administration, Rural Development, Energy, Environment, and Tribal Development. - Shiv Sena:
Expected to receive Revenue or Urban Development, along with PWD, Labour, School Education, State Excise, Water Supply and Sanitation and Transport. - NCP (Ajit Pawar faction):
Likely to get Finance and Planning, Housing, Medical Education, Food and Civil Supplies, Women and Child Welfare, Relief and Rehabilitation and Food and Drug Administration.
Shinde faction’s plan for ministers
The Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) has announced a unique approach to accommodate more MLAs in ministerial positions. MLAs from the faction will serve as ministers for a term of two-and-a-half years, after which other party members will be given the opportunity to join the cabinet.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is reportedly keen on completing the cabinet expansion ahead of the assembly session. Some ministers from the previous BJP-Shiv Sena government, particularly those who were considered underperformers, may be dropped in the reshuffle. The BJP is also reportedly negotiating the allocation of key departments to strike a balance between retaining power and accommodating its allies. While the BJP intends to keep most major portfolios, sources say it might allocate departments such as Revenue, Housing and PWD to maintain coalition harmony.
