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Maharashtra may see cabinet expansion soon, says Shiv Sena spokesperson
Shiv Sena and BJP have said that the cabinet will soon be expanded following the Supreme Court verdict, with many people wanting to join Shiv Sena.
With the Supreme Court verdict coming as a relief to Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis, the Shiv Sena and the BJP have said that the cabinet will soon be expanded. The Shiv Sena also claimed that several functionaries belonging to Shiv Sena (UBT) will join them soon as they were waiting to see which way the SC verdict will go.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Krishna Hegde said, “We have crossed a big hurdle and the SC has given its verdict in our favour, and we will have a cabinet expansion soon.’’ He added that are many people, who wanted to join Shiv Sena led by Shinde, were waiting for the SC verdict, In the next few weeks, we will have many functions to welcome leaders in our fold.’’
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BJP’s chief spokesperson Keshav Upadhye said, “CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis will decide on the date of the cabinet expansion.’’ At present, the cabinet has just 20 people and there is scope for 23 more.
A BJP minister, on the condition of anonymity, said that there is a lot of discontent among members in Shiv Sena and the BJP with the MLAs demanding ministerial positions. “We will have to also appoint chairpersons of various corporations. The race is more in Shiv Sena and the MLAs repeatedly ask Shinde about this. Some of the MLAs have also been given commitments,” said the minister.
Gajanan Kirtikar, Shiv Sena MP, said, “Members coming into our party had stopped because they were waiting for the SC verdict. Now, it will start again. Many of the BMC corporators are also waiting. I am personally in touch with six corporators, who want to contest under the bow and arrow symbol. Now we have the symbol and the official status of Shiv Sena.”
Sheetal Mhatre, the spokesperson of Shiv Sena, said, “Many corporators are in touch with us — at least 50 to 60 of them.”
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