The BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra has finalized the long-awaited portfolio allocation. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will oversee the Home Ministry, along with key departments like Energy (excluding Renewable Energy), Law and Judiciary, General Administration, and Information & Publicity. This consolidation highlights Fadnavis’ influential role in the state cabinet.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar of the NCP has been entrusted with the crucial Finance and Planning departments, as well as the State Excise portfolio, further emphasizing his significant responsibilities within the administration.
Former Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, who was reportedly interested in the Home Ministry, has been assigned Urban Development, Housing, and Public Works (Public Enterprises), reflecting his focus on infrastructure and urban growth.
The portfolio distribution showcases a strategic balance of power among key leaders in Maharashtra’s ruling alliance.
Maharashtra Cabinet Portfolio Allocation
After weeks of anticipation, the Maharashtra government has announced the distribution of portfolios within the state cabinet. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has retained the prominent Home Ministry, while Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will oversee Urban Development and Public Works.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has been entrusted with the crucial Finance Department and the Excise portfolio, solidifying his key role in the government.
Among the Shiv Sena leaders, Dadaji Bhuse has taken charge as the new School Education Minister, and Uday Samant will continue as the Industries Minister. Prakash Abitkar has been appointed as the Minister of State for Health, while Pratap Sarnaik now leads the Transport Department.
In the BJP camp, Chandrashekhar Bawankule will head the Revenue Department. The Water Resources portfolio has been divided between BJP leaders Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Girish Mahajan.
The BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP Mahayuti alliance secured a landslide victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections. Initially, the Shiv Sena sought the Chief Minister post for Eknath Shinde, but after intense negotiations, Shinde conceded the position to Fadnavis. Subsequently, Shinde pushed for the Home Ministry, which ultimately remained with Fadnavis.
This portfolio allocation reflects the complex power dynamics and compromises within Maharashtra’s ruling coalition.
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Mahayuti Alliance Forms Government
Devendra Fadnavis recently announced that the allocation of ministerial portfolios has been finalized. Speaking to reporters, he mentioned that the official list of portfolios would be made public either later that night or the following day.
Fadnavis was sworn in as Chief Minister on December 5, along with his two deputies, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. Shortly after, on December 15, 39 new ministers were inducted into the cabinet just in time for the Winter Session of the state assembly.
The Mahayuti alliance, made up of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), achieved a significant win in the November 20 assembly elections. Together, they secured a total of 230 seats out of the 288 seats available, showcasing their strong public support and dominance in the polls.
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FAQs
Q.1. Who is overseeing the Home Ministry in Maharashtra?
Ans. Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister, will oversee the Home Ministry along with other key departments.
Q.2. What portfolio has Ajit Pawar been assigned?
Ans. Ajit Pawar has been given the Finance and Planning departments, along with the State Excise portfolio.
Q.3. Which department is Eknath Shinde heading?
Ans. Eknath Shinde is responsible for Urban Development, Housing, and Public Works (Public Enterprises).
Q.4. Which political parties form the Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra?
Ans. The Mahayuti alliance consists of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
Q.5. When was the Maharashtra cabinet formed?
Ans. The cabinet portfolio allocation was finalized after Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as Chief Minister on December 5, 2024, with 39 ministers joining on December 15.
