Maharashtra: Cabinet Expansion on December 15, 30-32 Ministers to Take Oath in Nagpur

NAGPUR: The much-anticipated expansion of the BJP-led Maharashtra government is set to take place on December 15, with 30-32 ministers expected to take the oath of office at a ceremony in Nagpur. The move comes ahead of the winter session of the Maharashtra legislature, scheduled to begin on December 16 in the state’s second capital.

The Mahayuti alliance, which swept the November 20 assembly elections by winning 230 of the 288 seats, is expected to finalize the distribution of cabinet portfolios. Sources reveal that the BJP is likely to claim 20-21 berths, followed by Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena with 11-12, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP with 9-10 slots.

State BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule held meetings with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar to finalize the list. Discussions were also held at Pawar’s south Mumbai residence, with senior NCP leaders in attendance.

The BJP secured the lion’s share in the assembly election with 132 seats, followed by Shinde’s Shiv Sena with 57 and Pawar’s NCP at 41. While Shinde initially expressed hesitance about joining the cabinet, citing a preference for party organization, he eventually agreed to continue as Deputy Chief Minister alongside Ajit Pawar.

Shinde’s Shiv Sena has pushed for the influential home ministry portfolio to bolster its standing within the coalition. However, the BJP has yet to decide on this demand.

With the winter session expected to focus on key policy discussions, the expanded cabinet will aim to project unity within the alliance and ensure smoother governance.