Maharashtra: BJP chief pacifies upset allies, promises expansion

Smaller allies, who were angry on not being included in the team of minister who took oath on Friday, were placated by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah.

Smaller allies, who were angry on not being included in the team of minister who took oath on Friday, were placated by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah.

Shah assured them they would be accommodated within a fortnight after securing the vote of confidence.

The Republican Party of India (RPI), Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS), Rashtriya Samaj Paksha (RSP) and Shiv Sangram were all upset as they could not find the place in the first list.

According to Raju Shetti, who heads the SSS, Shah assuaged their anxieties. “We were told that the priority of the new government was to first secure the vote of confidence and then expand the Cabinet,” he said.

“Shah said he will personally come and work out the details.”

SSS will name its Sadabhau Khot as its nominee in the Cabinet.

The RPI said it, too, was willing to wait. “Had we also taken oath in this grand ceremony, it would have sent out positive signals across the state. However, the BJP promised to include us in the next phase,” said Avinash Mahatekar, RPI leader, who is the front-runner for the ministerial berth.

The RSP was the only ally that got a seat during the assembly polls. RSP chief Mahadev Jankar has already held talks with Shah and is said to have secured a commitment on him getting a berth in the new Cabinet.