The much-anticipated cabinet expansion in Maharashtra is set to take place today, coinciding with the commencement of the winter session of the Assembly in Nagpur tomorrow. Reports suggest that at least 30 ministers will be sworn in during this first phase of expansion. Preparations are in full swing at the Nagpur Raj Bhavan, where the ceremony will occur. The government has also arranged ministerial residences in Nagpur in preparation for the expanded cabinet’s functioning during the assembly session.
While the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers were sworn in earlier on December 5, the delay in cabinet expansion raised speculation regarding portfolio allocations. It is reported that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will secure 20 ministerial positions, Shiv Sena will have 12, and Ajit Pawar’s faction will hold 10. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is reportedly lobbying for key portfolios, including Home or Revenue. The remaining cabinet positions will be filled in a subsequent expansion phase.
This development follows the BJP-led alliance’s resounding victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, where it secured over 220 seats in the 288-member house. The BJP alone won more than 125 seats, exceeding all pre-election predictions. The expanded cabinet will reflect the coalition’s power-sharing agreements and pave the way for governance in the state.
