Maharashtra Cabinet Expansion: DCM Ajit Pawar hints at December 14, CM Fadnavis says no date fixed | File Photo
Mumbai: Exactly a week after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputies, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, took their oaths in a grand ceremony at Azad Maidan, the uncertainty surrounding the cabinet expansion refuses to die down.
Even as reports say the impending state cabinet expansion is likely to take place on December 14, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has yet to give a clear word. He has said that the date for cabinet expansion is still to be decided. But Pawar, who was also in Delhi for two days, said the exercise was likely to happen on December 14.
Although both Fadnavis and Pawar had separate meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah no clarity is forthcoming on the crucial issue even as the government will be facing the winter session of the state legislature beginning on Monday in Nagpur.
Shinde, who skipped the Delhi tour and preferred to stay at his Thane home, has yet to open his cards. He is said to be firm on getting some crucial portfolios such as the Home and other departments. In an apparent bid to defuse the present standoff, state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule had a meeting with the leader at Thane. Though no word came from both the leaders on the issue of the cabinet, Bawankule was likely to connect Shinde with Home Minister Amit Shah to break the impasse.
The upcoming reshuffle has stirred anxiety among potential candidates within the Mahayuti, as many current ministers fear being left out due to poor performance. It is said that the BJP may get 20-22 berths, Shiv Sena 11-12 and NCP 10. The NCP is expected to retain finance and planning though it is demanding housing department. Shiv Sena is keen to get revenue, urban development and also housing.
Pawar met with Home Minister Amit Shah during his Delhi visit along with his party colleagues Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare and wife MP Sunetra Pawar.
When asked about the issue of the cabinet expansion, Fadnavis said, “There was a lot of news about me and Ajit Pawar visiting Delhi relating to the cabinet expansion. I would like to make one thing clear, I have come to party-related meetings and Ajit Pawar has come for his work so there is no need to speculate much on these things. The parliamentary board and senior leadership make decisions in our party. We will decide on whom to make ministers from the BJP quota. Similarly, the NCP and Shiv Sena will decide the names of their ministers at their level. The formula for cabinet expansion is already decided. You will get to know about it soon.”
Fadnavis, along with Bawankule, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda to discuss the reshuffle. The party is unwilling to cede the crucial departments such as the home, urban development, revenue and finance.
NCP spokesperson Amol Mitkari said, “The cabinet would be incomplete without Ajit Pawar holding the finance portfolio. He has a wealth of experience in this area and has done remarkable work in the past.”
Meanwhile, the CM on Thursday, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is believed to have sought his blessings and guidance for the functioning of the Mahayuti government in the state.
