Mumbai, Dec 11: According to a senior BJP leader, the cabinet expansion for the Maharashtra government, led by Devendra Fadnavis, is expected to occur by December 14. Fadnavis’s office announced his departure to Delhi on Wednesday for a courtesy visit, marking his first meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar since resuming the chief minister role.
In a conversation with PTI, the BJP leader indicated that the Shiv Sena is unlikely to be given the home department and might not secure the revenue portfolio. Delays in discussions are attributed to the involvement of three parties: BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP.
“The cabinet expansion is anticipated by December 14. The allocation of the home department to Shiv Sena has been deemed out of the question. They may possibly receive the urban development portfolio, but revenue allocation appears unlikely,” mentioned the leader, who chose to remain anonymous.
The BJP is projected to retain between 21 and 22 ministerial positions, including the chief minister role, while keeping four to five positions unfilled. Shiv Sena leader and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s office confirmed that he is not traveling to the national capital.
Fadnavis, along with Shinde and NCP leader Ajit Pawar as deputies, took his oath as chief minister on December 5 after the Mahayuti alliance secured 230 out of 288 seats in the recent state assembly elections. The Maharashtra cabinet has a maximum capacity of 43 ministers, including the chief minister. (PTI)
