State BJP meets allies before Cabinet expansion

The countdown to the first expansion of the Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP government has begun with the ruling BJP calling on all its allies to discuss the matter on Monday. The BJP even called its core committee meet at Varsha, the Chief Minister’s official residence, late evening. However, expansion is unlikely to be carried out before November 25 as Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray is not in the city.

State BJP President Raosaheb Danve met leaders of allies including RPI chief Ramdas Athavale, Rashtriya Samaj Paksha chief Mahadev Jankar, Swabhimani Shetkari Sangathana chief Raju Shetty, Shiv Sangram chief Vinayak Mete and others at the official residence of PWD minister Chandrakant Patil.

According to sources, the BJP wants to induct only seven ministers in the present ministerial council comprising 30 members, including 18 cabinet ministers and 12 ministers of state. “As per the plan, three ministers are supposed to join the ministerial council from BJP, two from Shiv Sena and the small allies will also get two ministries,” said a senior leader requesting anonymity.

After having a discussion with the allies, Mr Danve confirmed to reporters that the date of cabinet expansion will be decided by the BJP core committee to be held Monday evening. “Our meeting with partners took place in a cordial atmosphere and they didn’t put up any preconditions before us,” said Mr Danve.

However, BJP sources said allies were asked about their expectations and all of them wanted their representatives to be inducted in the ministerial council which is not possible. “Of the small allies, only Mr Mete and Mr Jankar are members of the legislative council and thus, only they will be able to get ministerial berth in the coming expansion,” sources added.

As per constitutional provisions, the Maharashtra Assembly, which has 288 MLAs, can have 42 ministers, which is 15 per cent of the total strength. Mr Athavale, also a Rajya Sabha member from the BJP quota, said that he was firm on his demand for a cabinet berth in Maharashtra and at the Centre. He, however, refused that he wanted his wife Seema to be inducted in the ministerial council. While Mr Shetty confirmed that they have given their suggestions to Mr Danve. “It’s time for the BJP to fulfil its assurances given before state Assembly polls,” he stressed.