Maharashtra Cabinet Expansion: 39 Ministers Sworn In at Raj Bhavan, Nagpur; See Full List
In the most awaited political development, the Maharashtra government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expanded its cabinet, inducting 39 ministers in a grand ceremony at Raj Bhavan, Nagpur, on Sunday, December 15, 2024. The event marked the first cabinet expansion in the state’s second capital in over three decades, with Governor C.P. Radhakrishna administering the oath of office.
Key Appointments and Party Representation
The expanded cabinet now comprises 42 members, including four women. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured the lion’s share with 19 ministers, followed by Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena with 11, and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) with 9. Notable appointees include BJP leaders Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Ashish Shelar, and Girish Mahajan; Shiv Sena leaders Gulabrao Patil and Dada Bhuse; and NCP stalwart Hasan Mushrif.
Balancing Act: Two-and-a-Half-Year Rotation
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar addressed concerns regarding leaders left out of the cabinet, promising a rotational approach. He assured party workers that ministerial opportunities would be extended to other leaders in the second half of the government’s tenure, ensuring broader regional representation.
Political Landscape and Challenges
The Mahayuti alliance, which secured a resounding victory in the November 20 Assembly elections with 230 of 288 seats, has faced challenges in cabinet formation. Early tensions arose over key ministerial posts, particularly with Mr. Shinde’s initial hesitation to accept the Deputy Chief Minister role. However, these issues were resolved, with the Shiv Sena gaining significant representation.
Despite the celebratory mood, the expansion left several prominent leaders from all three parties without portfolios, leading to dissatisfaction among some MLAs. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale of the Republican Party of India (A) expressed disappointment over his party’s exclusion, citing earlier assurances of representation.
Full List of Council of Ministers – Maharashtra Cabinet
Bharatiya Janata Party: 19
- Chandrashekhar Bawankule
- Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil
- Chandrakant Patil
- Girish Mahajan
- Ganesh Naik
- Mangalprabhat Lodha
- Jaykumar Rawal
- Pankaja Munde
- Atul Save
- Ashok Uike
- Ashish Shelar
- Shivendra Raje Bhosale
- Jaykumar Gore
- Sanjay Sawakare
- Nitesh Rane
- Akash Fundkar
- Madhuri Misal (MoS)
- Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar (MoS)
- Meghana Bordikar Sakore (MoS)
Nationalist Congress Party: 9
- Hasan Mushrif
- Dhananjay Munde
- Dattatraya Bharne
- Aditi Tatkare
- Manikrao Kokate
- Narhari Zirwal
- Makrand Jadhav Patil
- Babasaheb Patil
- Indranil Naik (MoS)
Shiv Sena : 11
- Gulabrao Patil
- Dada Bhuse
- Sanjay Rathod
- Uday Samant
- Shambhuraje Desai
- Sanjay Shirsat
- Pratap Sarnaik
- Bharat Gogawale
- Prakash Abitkar
- Ashish Jaiswal (MoS)
- Yogesh Kadam (MoS)
Historical Significance
This cabinet expansion is historically significant as it is the first to take place in Nagpur since the Sudhakarrao Naik-led government in 1991. It coincides with the start of the Winter Session of the Maharashtra State Legislature, also being held in Nagpur, which is expected to address key governance and development issues.
Looking Ahead
As the Mahayuti government embarks on its tenure, it faces the dual challenge of managing internal party dynamics and addressing the expectations of its diverse voter base. With the promise of a rotational cabinet and strategic leadership placements, the alliance aims to maintain its cohesion and deliver on its electoral promises.
