Coming soon: Maharashtra cabinet reshuffle, says chief minister Devendra Fadnavis

If sources are to be believed, few ministers of state, including Madan Yerawar and Ranjit Patil, may get elevated to cabinet rank

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said the state cabinet expansion will take place soon. While speaking with the media in Aurangabad, he said, “Following the reshuffle and expansion of the Union cabinet, the state will also go for expansion soon.” He was in Aurangabad for the anniversary celebration of Marathwada’s freedom movement.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis (HT FILE)

When asked if allies such as Shiv Sena and others will also be considered in the proposed rejig, the CM refused to divulge any more details.

Speculations of cabinet expansion are rife since long. BJP sources have hinted that a reshuffle in the state cabinet was on the cards after the reshuffle at the Centre took place.

If sources are to be believed, few ministers of state, including Madan Yerawar and Ranjit Patil, may get elevated to cabinet rank. The reshuffle is likely to be based on performance. However, junior ministers may get important posts owing to the significance of the community they represent, the sources said.

Also, Fadnavis recently sought information on the work done by each and every minister in the last three years. The move assumes significance as Fadnavis is likely to assess work of the ministers before taking the final call, sources added.

On the other hand, the Shiv Sena may also demand an additional berth in the cabinet as it was left out from reshuffle at the Centre held on September 3.