Why did Shinde-Fadnavis get involved in cabinet expansion? Doubt persists even after 25 days

Maharashtra | The situation regarding cabinet expansion in Maharashtra has not been clear. Nearly 25 days have passed since Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis were sworn in in the state, but doubts remain on the names of the ministers. However, several reasons are being cited for this delay. The opposition parties are also attacking the government regarding this.

According to the Indian Express report, party sources have told that both Shinde and Fadnavis were to meet the BJP central leadership on Monday. Both the leaders had arrived to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President Draupadi Murmu. There were reports that after the Presidential elections, there may be a cabinet expansion in the state. Here, the opposition is also accusing the government of the current situation of the relief work being affected in the devastation caused by the rains in Maharashtra.

How Shinde-Fadnavis pair will satisfy all leaders

For the time being, it remains to be seen how the two leaders will induct a large number of leaders in the Council of Ministers. A maximum of 43 ministers, including the CM, can be included in the council of ministers. On the one hand, there are 8 former ministers in the rebel camp of Shiv Sena, replacing Shinde. According to the report, Shinde faction sources have told that former state minister and independent MLA Bacchu Kadu has been promised a place in the cabinet. Apart from this, big names like Tanaji Sawant and Deepak Kesarkar are also included in the faction.

Apart from these, the names of Sanjay Rathod, who was Forest Minister in Uddhav Thackeray government, Chip Whip Bharat Gogavale and Sanjay Shirsat are also in discussions.

Fadnavis's instructions

According to the report, on Saturday, Fadnavis advised the leaders to exercise restraint during the BJP executive meeting. It also indicated that not everyone can be included in the cabinet expansion. According to the report, a senior BJP leader said, "The cabinet expansion will take place two-three days before the monsoon session of the assembly, which may happen in the first week of August." A former minister who was involved in the Shinde camp said that he is yet to get information about the swearing-in. “We hope that everyone will be taken care of as promised. Discussions are on on cabinet expansion and it will happen at the right time.