Maharashtra Cabinet expansion: NCP gets important portfolios

MUMBAI: After the inclusion of NCP's Ajit Pawar faction, the Maharashtra cabinet was expanded by including Ajit Pawar and eight other MLAs, who became part of the BJP-Shiv Sena government through a rebel move from the NCP.

On July 2, Ajit Pawar's party became part of the government, but no decision was made regarding the departments. Although Ajit Pawar was given the post of Deputy Chief Minister, there were rumors that the Cabinet reshuffle was being delayed due to strong opposition from the Eknath Shinde faction. In the meantime, the news came out that Ajit Pawar had been given charge of important departments and the cabinet had been expanded.

It is reported that Ajit Pawar will be in charge of finance and planning departments. Chhagan Bhujbal has been assigned the Department of Food and Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs.

•Dharam Rao Baba Atram- Department of Drug and Administration

•Gilip Valse- Patil Collaboration Dept

•Dhananjay Munde- Department of Agriculture

•Hasan Mushrif- Department of Medical Education

•Anil Patil- Relief Disaster Prevention and Rehabilitation Department

• Adithi Thackeray- Department of Women Child Development and Welfare

•Sanjay Bansode- Department of Sports and Youth Welfare

Ajit Pawar has been given responsibility in the cabinet for the party.

It is crucial whether BJP and Shiv Sena MLAs are unanimous in giving important portfolios to Ajit Pawar and eight other MLAs is crucial for the stability of the government. The Shiv Sena camp, which currently holds the post of chief minister, is also worried that Ajit Pawar will lose its prominence in the Maharashtra government. Also, it is reported that the alliance with the NCP, which is politically at different poles, has caused differences of opinion among the BJP MLAs as well. Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray wing had alleged that Shinde would have to resign as Chief Minister immediately.