Daijiworld Media Network - Jalgaon
Jalgaon, Sep 24: Speculation over a cabinet expansion and reshuffle in the Maharashtra Mahayuti government has intensified, with MLA Bachchu Kadu claiming that a major change could take place around or after Diwali.
Speaking to reporters during his Shiv Samvad tour at Pachora in Jalgaon district, Kadu said the time had come to honour the alleged "two-and-a-half-year" power-sharing understanding reached among the Mahayuti constituents when the government was formed.
His remarks have triggered discussions within political circles about a possible change of ministers and the inclusion of new faces in the state Cabinet. However, there has been no official announcement regarding any cabinet expansion or reshuffle.
According to Kadu, the performance of existing ministers could also be reviewed as part of the proposed exercise. There is speculation that ministers whose performance is considered unsatisfactory could be dropped and new faces given an opportunity, although no formal decision has been announced.
The possibility of an expansion has also revived discussions over the names of legislators seeking ministerial berths, with MLAs from the various Mahayuti constituents expected to lobby for representation if the exercise goes ahead.
Kadu has particularly pressed for the inclusion of Shiv Sena's Shinde faction MLA Kishor Patil from the Pachora-Bhadgaon Assembly constituency in the Cabinet.
Kadu said Patil had been elected for three consecutive terms and that people and party workers in the constituency expected him to be given a ministerial position.
"Kishor Patil has won the people's confidence and has been elected MLA three consecutive times. It is a natural expectation that such an experienced and loyal leader should get a place in the Cabinet," Kadu said.
Although the Shinde faction currently has one ministerial berth from Jalgaon district, Kadu argued that Patil should also be accommodated.
"If necessary, keep two ministerial posts for the district, but Kishor Patil must get a place in the Cabinet," he said.
His demand has also sparked speculation over whether Jalgaon district could receive an additional ministerial berth in a future expansion.
Asked whether he would exert pressure on Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to secure a Cabinet berth for Patil, Kadu said he would make every effort if such an approach could help secure what he described as Patil's rightful representation.
Kadu's claim that a cabinet expansion could take place around or after Diwali has now turned attention towards possible developments within the Mahayuti government. Whether existing ministers will be replaced, new faces will be inducted and Jalgaon will receive an additional ministerial berth will become clear only after an official decision.