Maharashtra Cabinet Expansion -New Ministers to Take Oath on December 15: Maharashtra's BJP-led government is set to expand its cabinet on December 15, with a swearing-in ceremony scheduled in Nagpur. According to reports, approximately 30 to 32 new ministers will take the oath.
This expansion comes just ahead of the upcoming winter session of the Maharashtra legislature, which is set to begin on 16th December in Nagpur.. The session will play a key role in addressing important legislative matters, and the timing of this development reflects the state's commitment to making significant progress in key areas ahead of the session. The legislature's winter session is expected to discuss crucial policies and initiatives that will impact Maharashtra's growth and governance.
The state's legislative winter session will last for a week, and it will mark a significant moment for the newly formed government. On December 5, Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as Chief Minister, with Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and NCP leader Ajit Pawar taking the oath as deputy Chief Ministers during a grand ceremony held in Mumbai.
Maharashtra's cabinet can induct up to 43 members, including the Chief Minister. BJP state chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule met with deputy Chief Ministers Shinde and Pawar on Friday to finalize the details of the cabinet formation.
Ajit Pawar, in a meeting at his Deogiri bungalow in Mumbai, also held discussions with party leaders. In the November 20 assembly elections, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance achieved a decisive victory, winning 230 of the 288 seats in the state assembly.
The government formation process has faced some challenges. Initially, Shinde preferred to focus on party organization and avoid joining the government. However, after negotiations, he agreed to accept the deputy CM role. The Shiv Sena has strongly emphasized Shinde's importance and has called for key portfolios like home, which the BJP has been hesitant to grant.
Sources said that the BJP is expected to retain around 20-21 ministerial positions, while Shiv Sena and NCP are likely to receive 11-12 and 9-10 posts, respectively.