Maharashtra cabinet portfolios announced; Fadnavis retains Home, Ajit Pawar gets Finance

Despite earlier reports suggesting he was keen on securing the Home portfolio, it remains with Fadnavis.

The Maharashtra government on Saturday announced the much-awaited allocation of cabinet portfolios, following the swearing-in ceremony earlier this month. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has retained significant ministries, including Home, Energy (excluding Renewable Energy), Law and Judiciary, General Administration, and Information & Publicity.

Deputy Chief Minister & NCP Chief Ajit Pawar, a leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has been assigned the crucial Finance and Planning portfolios, along with the State Excise department. Ajit Pawar’s position in charge of Finance is seen as a key move in the coalition government’s power structure.

Eknath Shinde, the former Chief Minister and now one of two Deputy Chief Ministers, has been assigned the Urban Development, Housing, and Public Works (Public Enterprises) ministries. Despite earlier reports suggesting he was keen on securing the Home portfolio, it remains with Fadnavis.

Uday Samant, an influential leader in the Shinde faction, has been assigned the Industries portfolio, while Pankaja Munde, the prominent BJP leader, will oversee the Environment ministry. Manikrao Kokate, another key figure, will take charge of Agriculture, which remains a pivotal sector for Maharashtra.

In addition, Dhananjay Munde has been entrusted with the important Food and Civil Supplies department, while Ashok Uike will lead the Tribal Development ministry. Ashish Shelar, known for his strong political presence, has been given the Information Technology and Culture departments.

Aditi Tatkare, a rising star in the political landscape, has been appointed the Minister for Women and Child Development, and Jaykumar Gore will lead the Rural Development ministry. Sanjay Shirsat will be responsible for Social Justice.

The cabinet reshuffle also saw several senior leaders assigned critical portfolios. Bawankule has been appointed Revenue Minister, while Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil will head the Water Resources department. Hasan Mushrif will oversee Medical Education.

Chandrakant Patil, a key ally of the BJP, has been given the Higher and Technical Education portfolio, while Ganesh Naik will manage the Forests department. Dada Bhuse has been entrusted with the crucial responsibility of School Education.

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, and NCP, had secured a decisive victory in the November 20 assembly elections, winning 230 of 288 seats. Fadnavis, Shinde, and Ajit Pawar were sworn in on December 5, with 39 ministers inducted ahead of the Winter Session on December 15.

The announcement of the portfolios came after Fadnavis assured reporters earlier in the day that the list had been finalised and would be shared soon.