Devendra Fadnavis Meets PM Modi Amidst Maharashtra Cabinet Expansion Talks

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday amidst speculation about the long-awaited Cabinet expansion in the state, which is expected to occur by December 14.

Fadnavis’ office described the meeting as a courtesy visit. However, discussions around the allocation of key portfolios among the ruling alliance members—BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP—remain contentious.

Cabinet Expansion and Portfolio Negotiations

Fadnavis, who took office as CM on December 5 alongside Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena) and Ajit Pawar (NCP), leads the Mahayuti alliance that recently secured 230 out of 288 assembly seats. Maharashtra’s Cabinet can accommodate up to 43 ministers, including the Chief Minister. However, portfolio allocation has proven challenging due to competing demands from the alliance partners.

BJP’s Strategy on Key Ministries

Sources suggest that the BJP aims to retain control over pivotal portfolios such as Home, Urban Development, and Rural Development, leaving fewer key ministries for allies. BJP is expected to keep 21-22 ministerial positions, including the CM’s post, while allocating only select ministries such as Revenue, Housing, and Public Works to Shiv Sena and NCP. Four to five Cabinet positions may remain vacant.

Allies’ Demands

Shiv Sena is reportedly adamant about securing the Home Department, which the BJP is unwilling to cede. The party is also vying for key portfolios like Urban Development, School Education, and Transport. Meanwhile, NCP is negotiating for significant roles in the Cabinet.

The complexity of the power-sharing agreement among the three parties underscores the challenges of coalition governance, as all stakeholders aim to balance their interests while delivering on electoral promises.