The cabinet expansion of Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government is likely to yake place by December 14, according to a senior BJP leader.
The leader also revealed that the Shiv Sena will not be allocated the home department and is unlikely to receive the revenue portfolio.
Fadnavis, who left for Delhi on Wednesday, is undertaking a courtesy visit—the first since assuming office as Chief Minister. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
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The delay in cabinet talks is attributed to the involvement of three parties in the Mahayuti alliance—the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP. According to the BJP leader, the cabinet expansion will likely occur by December 14, with the Shiv Sena expected to be given the urban development portfolio. However, the home department is firmly off the table for the party, and the revenue portfolio remains unlikely.
The BJP is expected to retain 21 to 22 ministerial positions, including the Chief Minister’s post. The leader also suggested that four to five ministerial positions might remain vacant. Shiv Sena leader and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde will not be traveling to the national capital, according to his office.
On December 5, Fadnavis took oath as Chief Minister, alongside Shinde and NCP leader Ajit Pawar as his deputies, after the Mahayuti alliance secured 230 of the 288 seats in the state assembly. Maharashtra’s cabinet can accommodate a maximum of 43 ministers, including the Chief Minister.
