Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar secure key portfolios as Maharashtra’s political power dynamics take shape post-oath ceremony.
December 22, 2024: In a significant political development, the Maharashtra Cabinet portfolios were officially announced nearly two weeks after the swearing-in ceremony. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has retained the Home Ministry, along with key departments such as Energy (excluding renewable energy), Law and Judiciary, General Administration, Information and Publicity, and other unassigned portfolios.
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Eknath Shinde’s Allocation
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who previously served as Chief Minister, has been assigned the Urban Development, Housing, and Public Works portfolios. Despite earlier speculation, Shinde did not receive the Home portfolio, which he was reportedly eyeing.
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Ajit Pawar’s Share
The second Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, has been given the Finance Ministry and State Excise portfolio, solidifying his influential role in the alliance government.
Cabinet Strength and Political Dynamics
The Mahayuti alliance of BJP, Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP collectively secured over 230 out of 288 assembly seats. In contrast, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance of Congress, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction managed to secure only 46 seats.
Opposition’s Criticism
Opposition leaders, including Aaditya Thackeray, have criticized the delay in portfolio allocation, calling it a “joke” and accusing the government of prioritizing “bungalows and cars over responsibilities.”
Key Portfolio Distribution Among Parties
BJP Ministers:
- Chandrashekhar Bawankule: Revenue
- Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil: Water Resources
- Chandrakant Patil: Higher and Technical Education, Parliamentary Affairs
- Girish Mahajan: Disaster Management
Shiv Sena Ministers:
- Gulabrao Patil: Water Supply and Sanitation
- Dadaji Bhuse: School Education
- Uday Samant: Industries and Marathi Language
NCP Ministers:
- Hasan Mushrif: Medical Education
- Dhananjay Munde: Food and Civil Supplies
- Aditi Tatkare: Women and Child Development
Political Outlook
With the cabinet now fully functional, the focus will shift to governance and addressing critical issues, including farmers’ concerns and infrastructure development. As Maharashtra moves forward under this power-sharing arrangement, the performance of these leaders will remain under close public and political scrutiny.
Tags: Maharashtra Cabinet, Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra Politics, Cabinet Portfolios, BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP, Maharashtra Governance, Political Dynamics