Mahayuti Cabinet Expansion in Maharashtra Today
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Mahayuti government expands cabinet with 30-32 new ministers.
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BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP allocate portfolios; BJP retains Home Ministry.
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Ceremony in Nagpur marks a significant political event before the winter session.
In a significant political move, the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra carried out a cabinet expansion on December 15, 2024, in Nagpur. The expansion was executed just before the commencement of the state's winter legislative session on December 16, signaling the consolidation of power within the ruling coalition comprised of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
Official sources revealed that around 30 to 32 ministers were expected to take oath, with the BJP getting the lion's share of 20-22 ministerial berths, including the critical Home Ministry. The Shiv Sena, led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, was set to receive 10-12 ministerial posts, gaining control over the Housing Ministry among others, while the NCP, under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, was allocated 9-10 positions, with Pawar maintaining his grip on the Finance Ministry.
The oath-taking ceremony at Raj Bhavan in Nagpur was attended by key leaders from all three parties, emphasizing the collaborative spirit within the Mahayuti alliance. This expansion was closely watched as it came after much negotiation on power-sharing formulas among the allies, highlighting the intricacies of coalition politics in Maharashtra. The Mahayuti coalition had secured a resounding victory in the November 20 Assembly elections, with BJP leading the tally with 132 seats, followed by Shiv Sena with 57, and NCP with 41 seats.
This cabinet expansion was also about introducing fresh faces to the state's governance, with sources indicating that some underperforming or controversial ministers from the previous term might not retain their positions. This move is seen as an attempt to refresh the government's image and efficiency, focusing on new leadership to tackle Maharashtra's challenges.
The ceremony's backdrop was also notable, being held in Nagpur, which holds symbolic importance due to its connection with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of BJP, and the fact that it's the second capital of Maharashtra. The choice of venue underscores the strategic political messaging by the ruling coalition