Leaders of the Mahayuti alliance were sworn in as cabinet ministers in the Maharashtra government during a ceremony at Raj Bhavan in Nagpur on Sunday. The 10-day-old BJP-led alliance ministry in Maharashtra was expanded with 39 ministers being sworn in, taking its strength to 42. In the expansion, BJP got 19 ministerial berths, followed by 11 to Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and nine for Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party. While 33 legislators were sworn in as cabinet ministers, six took oath as ministers of state.
Governor P C Radhakrishnan administered the oath to the new ministers at the ceremony held on the eve of the state legislature’s winter session being held in Nagpur from December 16 to 21. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, who took oath in Mumbai on December 5, were present.
The New Ministers
The new cabinet includes state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar. The Mahayuti alliance had faced criticism from the Opposition for delaying the announcement of its cabinet despite holding a significant majority.
In the November 20 Assembly polls, the Mahayuti swept to power, winning 230 out of 288 seats in the state. The BJP led with 132 seats, followed by Shinde’s Shiv Sena with 57 and Pawar’s NCP getting 41. Results of the elections were declared on November 23.
MVA Boycotts Customary Tea Party
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will boycott the tea party to be hosted by the Maharashtra government on the eve of the state legislature’s winter session here on Sunday, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve said. Danve said that although the Opposition’s strength in the Assembly may be less, it will, with its full force, take on the government on various issues, including those pertaining to farmers. The six-day duration of the winter session was too short, the leader of Opposition in the state legislative council added. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar also demanded an extension of the session.
In conclusion, the new ministers sworn in the Devendra Fadnavis government bring a fresh perspective and energy to Maharashtra’s political landscape. With various parties coming together to form a strong alliance, it will be interesting to see how they work together to address the state’s challenges and fulfill the promises made to the people. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving political scenario!
