Maharashtra CM Announces Portfolio Distribution in Upcoming Days

Nagpur, Dec 15 (NationPress) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Sunday that the distribution of cabinet portfolios will occur in the next two days, following intense negotiations among the MahaYuti partners, which include BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP.

"The cabinet portfolios will be decided in the next two days," affirmed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during a press conference in Nagpur, just before the winter session of the state legislature.

He emphasized that an agreement among the three parties has already been reached on this matter, and it will be settled smoothly.

Accompanying him were two Deputy Chief Ministers, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.

"We have focused on forming an all-inclusive ministerial council. Our aim is to ensure representation from all communities, women, and regions. Regarding the BJP, we have opted to assign new responsibilities to those who have been replaced," Fadnavis elaborated.

In addition to the portfolio allocation, the assignment of district Guardian ministers remains unresolved. Fadnavis noted that this is not an urgent issue and will be addressed in due course.

Before the cabinet expansion, leaders from Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party had discussions concerning key portfolios such as Home, Urban Development, Revenue, and Housing. The Eknath Shinde-led Sena previously showed interest in the Home department, while the NCP is pursuing Housing and Industries.

Fadnavis reassured that the government will not suppress the opposition based on its strength.

"We will not silence the opposition and will remain open to discussions. We expect that, unlike in the Lok Sabha, the opposition will engage within the house rather than just addressing the media," he mentioned.

On Sunday, the opposition boycotted a tea party organized on the eve of the winter session of the state legislature. In a letter to the government, they raised concerns about allegations related to EVM misuse, violent incidents in Parbhani linked to the desecration of Babasaheb Ambedkar's statue, and the murder of a sarpanch in Beed district, which has a caste-related context.

"The opposition is attempting to craft a narrative about EVMs. However, I want to clarify that EVM stands for 'Every Vote for Magnetic Maharashtra', and that reflects our government’s commitment. We will work diligently to uphold that," Fadnavis stated.

He responded to the opposition's allegations regarding the incidents in Parbhani and Beed. "An SIT has been established concerning the Beed incident. No perpetrator will escape justice, regardless of who they may be. The SIT will investigate every aspect thoroughly," Fadnavis assured.

He added that a mentally ill individual was responsible for the desecration of the statue. "This government holds the pride of the constitution in the highest regard. We will not engage in any acts against the constitution, and we will treat it with utmost respect," he stated, also noting that violent protests following the incident are not permissible under the constitution, and those involved in stone-pelting or vandalism will face consequences.

(Sanjay Jog can be contacted at Sanjay.j@ians.in)