In a significant reshuffle following the Mahayuti coalition’s resounding victory in the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections, 12 prominent leaders were excluded from the cabinet expansion announced on Sunday. This move has sparked discussions across political circles, with notable omissions coming from all three major parties in the alliance—BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction).
Big Names Left Out
Among the most surprising exclusions are Chhagan Bhujbal and Dilip Walse-Patil from the NCP. Bhujbal, a veteran leader and former deputy chief minister, had recently been at the forefront of handling the politically sensitive Maratha reservation issue. His absence from the cabinet is being viewed as a strategic move, though it has raised eyebrows given his stature and experience.
Dilip Walse-Patil, another seasoned NCP leader who had recently assured his readiness to take on ministerial responsibilities despite health concerns, was also left out. Additionally, NCP members Baba Dharmarao Atram (a tribal leader from Gadchiroli), Anil Patil (from Jalgaon), and Sanjay Bansode (from Latur) were denied berths.
BJP’s Surprising Omissions
The BJP made waves by excluding key figures such as Sudhir Mungantiwar, Ravindra Chavan, Vijaykumar Gavit, and Suresh Khade. Mungantiwar, a former finance, forest, and cultural affairs minister, is a prominent BJP face and his exclusion has drawn significant attention.
Ravindra Chavan’s absence was equally surprising, given his close association with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his pivotal role in the BJP’s growth in the Konkan region. Reports suggest he might be considered for the role of BJP’s state unit chief. Gavit, a senior tribal leader from Nandurbar, and Khade, a representative of the scheduled caste community from Sangli, were also dropped, signaling potential shifts in the party’s approach to community representation.
Shiv Sena’s Tough Decisions
For the Shiv Sena, the exclusions of Tanaji Sawant, Abdul Sattar, and Deepak Kesarkar were notable. These leaders were considered influential within the party and their omission indicates a balancing act by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. BJP’s insistence on their exclusion reportedly played a role in the decision-making process.
Room for Hope
While the omissions have caused unrest among party loyalists, there remains a glimmer of hope for some leaders. Both the NCP and Shiv Sena have signaled potential reshuffles within the cabinet after two-and-a-half years, providing a chance for the current dropouts to secure positions in the future.
Strategic Choices Amidst Challenges
The cabinet now reflects a recalibration aimed at ensuring regional and caste balance, while also accommodating fresh faces. However, the exclusion of influential leaders is likely to test the coalition’s internal dynamics, as the Mahayuti government gears up to address key governance challenges and fulfill the promises made to voters.
The cabinet expansion follows the induction of 39 ministers earlier on Sunday, with BJP securing 19 berths, Shiv Sena 11, and NCP 9. While the reshuffle aims to project a united and dynamic front, the reactions from those left out highlight the complexities of coalition politics.