Ajit Pawar, leading the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), is facing challenges in selecting ministers for the new Mahayuti government. The party is expected to secure 11 ministerial posts, with seven being cabinet ministers and four being junior ministers. However, this has created a dilemma for Pawar as he needs to replace at least two senior leaders who supported him during the party split last year.
The NCP leadership is considering replacing senior leaders who have been part of the ministerial council for the past four years. This includes Dilip Walse Patil, the cooperation minister in the previous government, and Chhagan Bhujbal, the food and civil supplies minister. They are looking to replace them with Dattray Bharne and Manikrao Kokate, respectively. Additionally, they are considering including fresh faces like Indraneel Naik, Sangram Jagtap, Sana Malik, and Rajesh Vitekar in the ministerial council.
Bharne, a Dhangar leader, was a minister in the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government and recently won in the assembly polls. Kokate, a five-term MLA, comes from the north Maharashtra region. Bhujbal is willing to step back but is advocating for his son, Pankaj Bhujbal, to be made a minister. Naik, Jagtap, Malik, and Vitekar are also being considered for junior ministerial berths based on their contributions and representation.
It is important for the NCP to have a diverse representation in the ministerial council to ensure all major communities are included. Sana Malik, the first Muslim woman MLA in Maharashtra, provides representation for the Muslim community. Similarly, Sangram Jagtap’s induction would provide further representation to the region, and Indraneel Naik’s family legacy adds to the historical significance of the party.
Meanwhile, NCP working president Praful Patel is expected to secure a ministerial position in the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the center. Patel’s extensive experience and political background make him a valuable addition to the government. His inclusion would strengthen the NCP’s presence and influence at the national level.
Overall, the cabinet formation process for Ajit Pawar and the NCP involves strategic decisions to balance experience, regional representation, and inclusivity. The selection of ministers will play a crucial role in shaping the government’s agenda and priorities moving forward.
