Maharashtra Cabinet Expansion Remains Unclear, BJP Allegedly Steps Back From Promise
Mumbai, 8th August 2022: The situation regarding the cabinet in Maharashtra continues to remain unclear. The entry of ministers into the government has allegedly not taken place due to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stepping back from its promise. The Chief Minister of the state, Eknath Shinde, is not likely to extend the cabinet till the matter is resolved. He has already visited Delhi seven times.
As reported by the New Indian Express, sources said, “When the BJP joined hands with Shinde to topple the Uddhav Thackeray government, the top leadership of the party had made two promises. Firstly, he would be made the chief minister, and his camp would be given two-thirds ministerial posts in the new government. That is why most of the Shiv Sainik MLAs were promised to be cabinet ministers or junior ministers in the new government.” Sources further said, “The BJP fulfilled its first promise by making Shinde the chief minister, but pulled back on giving two-third ministerial berths to his loyalists. Hence there is a delay in the cabinet expansion.”
Shinde says that cabinet expansion in the state will take place soon. For the first swearing-in, about 15 MLAs from both sides will likely take the oath. At the same time, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis can be given the Home Department. Another report quoting sources states that the expansion may take place this week.
According to the report, sources said that the initial plan of the BJP was to extend support to Shinde from outside. “But the top BJP leadership changed the plan at the last minute and asked Devendra Fadnavis to take oath as the deputy chief minister. They believe that extending support from outside will bring instability to the Shinde government, and if something goes wrong, the BJP will face resentment.” Now, the BJP is asking for the largest share in the cabinet, while Shinde is reluctant to do so.
As per the report, sources said, “Shinde is not happy with the BJP leadership for its last-minute planning. But his options are limited and he is unable to discuss it openly. The BJP used them to topple the Uddhav Thackeray government and is now asking for a two-thirds ministerial berth. Shinde has decided not to expand the cabinet till the matter is resolved.”
