Maharashtra Cabinet Portfolio Allocation: Fadnavis Retains Home, Shinde Takes Urban Development

The Maharashtra government has finally disclosed its cabinet portfolio allocations, bringing an end to weeks of speculation and political deliberations. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has retained the crucial home ministry, while Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has been entrusted with the Urban Development and Public Works portfolios, signaling a strategic distribution of responsibilities within the ruling coalition.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, another significant player in the government, has been given charge of the Finance and Excise portfolios, consolidating his influence within the state’s administration. Among other key allocations, Shiv Sena’s Dadaji Bhuse has been appointed as the School Education Minister, while Uday Samant continues to oversee the Industries Ministry.

The BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP’s Mahayuti alliance, which secured a landslide victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections, underwent several rounds of negotiations before finalizing these assignments. Notably, Shiv Sena initially lobbied for the Chief Ministerial post for Eknath Shinde, but the position ultimately went to Devendra Fadnavis. In a subsequent demand, Shinde sought the Home Ministry portfolio, though it remained with Fadnavis.

Key Portfolio Allocations
The portfolio distribution reflects a mix of continuity and strategic reassignments. BJP’s Chandrashekhar Bawankule has taken charge of the Revenue Department, while Prakash Abitkar is the new Health Minister. Pratap Sarnaik has been named Transport Minister, and Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil will oversee Water Resources.

Other notable appointments include Dhananjay Munde for Food and Civil Supplies, Ashok Uike for Tribal Development, and Ashish Shelar for Information Technology and Culture. Meanwhile, Pankaja Munde has been assigned the Environment Ministry, and Mangalprabhat Lodha will handle Skill Development.

Delay Sparks Criticism
The delay in portfolio allocation led to criticism from the opposition, who accused the government of discord and inefficiency. Ambadas Danve, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, described the recent winter session as a mere formality, citing the absence of active ministerial leadership during the proceedings.

Despite the initial friction within the Mahayuti alliance, the finalized portfolios aim to balance power and ensure governance stability, laying the groundwork for addressing key challenges in Maharashtra.

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