Uddhav Thackeray calls, Cabinet reshuffle on cards

Mumbai: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has convened a meeting on April 6 of his party leaders at Matoshree to discuss a possible reshuffle of Sena ministers in the Cabinet. Sources in the party said that after receiving complaints from Shiv Sena MLAs about some ministers, the party chief might remove old faces and give an opportunity to new leaders.

Bickering among the Shiv Sena MLAs and ministers came to fore during the ongoing budget session of the legislature. In a party meeting held at the Assembly, Shiv Sena MLAs expressed their anger over some of its ministers’ failure to complete work and fulfil the promises.

The MLAs even lodged complaints with the party chief Uddhav Thackeray. After receiving complaints, the party chief held separate meetings with ministers and MLAs.

The sources in Shiv Sena said Mr Thackeray might induct young and fresh faces in the Cabinet in May 2017.

“The Cabinet reshuffle was on the cards for a long time. The Sena did not induct new faces last time when BJP inducted a few new faces in the Cabinet. There is a possibility that the Shiv Sena chief would go for the Cabinet reshuffle,” the sources said.

The Sena chief is likely to seek opinion of senior party leaders about the reshuffle. The sources said that he would even review the performance of the ministers who are handling various portfolios in the state Cabinet.

Based on their performances, a few might have to go, and young faces would be given a chance, the sources said. Though the Sena chief has convened a meeting on April 6, the reshuffle is likely to take place in May.

In June, the state Assembly will hold its monsoon session, and the new ministers would get some time to get a grasp of how their departments function, the sources added.