Setback For Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar Likely To Get Finance Portfolio

In a move that could create cracks in the triple-engine government in Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is likely to get the finance portfolio which is currently held by Devendra Fadnavis.

Reportedly, Ajit Pawar has asked for key ministries like finance, public works department, housing, irrigation, and water resources.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis have reportedly held several meetings with their party MLAs, and separately between themselves, over the Maharashtra cabinet expansion.

The much-anticipated reshuffle and expansion of Maharashtra Cabinet is due owing to a lack of consensus among the three parties in office-Shiv Sena, BJP and Ajit-led NCP faction.

When NCP joined the BJP-Sena government, the Shinde group believed that the BJP's portfolios will be given to the Ajit Pawar camp. But now, the portfolios from the Shinde group, too, are also being considered at for the reshuffle, which has upset the Shinde faction.

Shiv Sena leaders have staunchly opposed Ajit Pawar getting the finance ministry. When Shinde led the rebellion, one key complaint raised by his faction was Ajit Pawar withholding funds of MLAs of other parties.

The leaders have now openly expressed fears of a repeat of what allegedly happened during the MVA government.

In a surprising move, Ajit Pawar took oath as the deputy chief minister, while eight legislators of his Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) took oath as ministers in the government led by the Shiv Sena and the BJP earlier in the day.

Following Ajit Pawar's revolt, Shiv Sena's Shinde had said, "Now the double engine government has a triple engine. The state will sprint (on the path of development). Now we have one CM and two deputy chief ministers. This will help faster development of the state."

The Congress is part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance consisting of itself, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) and the NCP.

In the Shinde-Fadnavis balancing act, a total of 18 ministers had taken oath in the state. Nine members from each side have been sworn in. Maharashtra can have a maximum of 43 cabinet ministers and more members are set to be added soon.