Maharashtra Cabinet / Tenure of ministers in Maharashtra, affidavit will have to be given

Maharashtra Cabinet: The long-running suspense in Maharashtra politics ended in Nagpur on Sunday, when Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expanded his cabinet. During this, 39 ministers were sworn in. Senior leaders like CM Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Eknath Shinde and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari were present in this event. Leaders of BJP, NCP and Shiv Sena Shinde faction were included in the cabinet.

Tenure of two and a half years: New experiment in politics

This time the ministers have been sworn in not for the full term, but only for two and a half years. During the swearing-in, the ministers will also have to write an affidavit, in which it will be made clear that their tenure will be only two and a half years. Discussions are rife in the state regarding this new formula. However, it is not yet clear whether this rule will apply to BJP ministers as well or is only for Shiv Sena and NCP leaders.

New faces and old resentment

While some new faces were given a chance in the cabinet, many old ministers retained their place. But discontent was clearly visible among the leaders who were denied ministerial posts. Shiv Sena MLA Bhondekar resigned from the post of deputy leader of the party after not getting a ministerial post. At the same time, RPI chief Ramdas Athawale also expressed displeasure and said that he was promised that a cabinet ministry and a Legislative Council seat would be given, but nothing like that happened.

Complexities of the grand alliance

This expansion included 19 MLAs of BJP, 9 of NCP and 11 MLAs of Shiv Sena Shinde faction. This clearly shows that an attempt has been made to balance the power within the grand alliance. However, this balance failed to satisfy some leaders.

Pressure of affidavit on Shiv Sena and NCP ministers

Shiv Sena ministers had to promise to leave the post after a tenure of two and a half years. This affidavit limits their future and tries to ensure discipline inside the party. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde clarified this decision in the party meeting.

Ajit Pawar's statement: Uncertainty for BJP

Ajit Pawar made it clear in his statement that this two and a half year formula will be applicable to his alliance, but it is not yet clear whether BJP agrees to it or not. His statement has pointed towards possible cracks within the alliance.

Indication of future politics

This cabinet expansion in Maharashtra is not just an administrative move, but an indication of new equations in politics. This two and a half year agreement between the constituent parties of the grand alliance is a unique experiment of sharing power. But it will be interesting to see in which direction the disputes and resentments related to it will take the politics of Maharashtra in the coming days.

With this cabinet expansion, new politics has started in Maharashtra, which will be full of many changes and challenges.