Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday admitted that the allocation of portfolios in the newly-formed state cabinet has left some ministers dissatisfied. Speaking at an event in Baramati, his constituency, Pawar cited the high number of cabinet ministers and the limited portfolios as reasons for the unrest.
“With 36 cabinet ministers and only six ministers of state, it’s natural that some members are happy while others are not,” said Pawar. His remarks came a day after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the portfolio distribution.
Pawar, who retained the Finance and Planning portfolio, stated that work on pending projects would resume soon, adding that the recently concluded elections had temporarily delayed several initiatives. "The model code of conduct during the November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections put many projects on hold. Now that the results are out, we need some time to address pending work,” he said.
He reassured constituents that ministers, many of whom are currently visiting their constituencies after the allocation, would begin addressing backlogged projects once they assume full charge of their departments.
The Deputy CM further noted that the budget session of the Maharashtra legislature is scheduled to begin on March 3 in Mumbai. "I want to prepare the budget in consultation with CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde to ensure a collaborative approach," he said.
Fadnavis has retained key portfolios, including Home, Energy, Law and Judiciary, General Administration, and Information and Publicity. Shinde will oversee Urban Development, Housing, and Public Works (Public Enterprises). Meanwhile, Pawar will manage Finance and Planning along with State Excise.
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