Maharashtra Cabinet: Fadnavis Gets Home, Pawar Finance

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Devendra Fadnavis keeps the Home Ministry in the Maharashtra Cabinet.
2. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar is in charge of Finance and Planning departments.
3. Eknath Shinde manages Urban Development, Housing, and Public Works.
4. The Mahayuti government won 230 of 288 seats in the Assembly polls.
5. The portfolio allocation comes ahead of the Winter Session.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Portfolio Allocation Announced

The Maharashtra Cabinet announced its portfolio allocation:

• Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister, retained the Home Ministry, consolidating his power in the state government.
• Ajit Pawar, Deputy CM and NCP leader, secured the Finance and Planning departments, bolstering his influence.
• Eknath Shinde, Shiv Sena leader, was assigned Urban Development, Housing, and Public Works (Public Enterprises).

Additional Key Portfolios

Fadnavis also retained crucial departments like Energy (excluding Renewable Energy), Law and Judiciary, General Administration, and Information & Publicity. These allocations reflect BJP’s dominant role in the coalition government. Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar was entrusted with the State Excise Department as well.

Coalition Dynamics

The Mahayuti government, a coalition of BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, emerged victorious in the November 20 Assembly polls, securing 230 of 288 seats.

• Shinde’s Role: Reports suggest Shinde sought the Home Ministry but settled for Urban Development, marking a strategic compromise within the coalition.
• Fadnavis’s role remains pivotal, with substantial administrative and political control.

Impact on Governance

This portfolio allocation sets the tone for the government’s functioning as it prepares for the upcoming Winter Session.

• The division of portfolios indicates BJP’s upper hand while accommodating coalition partners.
• Ajit Pawar’s oversight of critical financial sectors positions him as a key policymaker.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Devendra Fadnavis retains significant portfolios, including the Home Ministry.
• Ajit Pawar handles Finance, Planning, and Excise, strengthening NCP’s role.
• Eknath Shinde leads Urban Development, focusing on infrastructure projects.

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