In a much-awaited cabinet expansion, the BJP-led Maharashtra government saw 39 new ministers being sworn in, taking its strength to 42. The coalition partners Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party received 11 and 9 ministerial berths respectively. This expansion marks the second time since 1991 that the swearing-in ceremony has been held in Nagpur, signalling the BJP's stronghold in the state. The move comes after the BJP and its allies secured a landslide victory in the state elections, gaining 235 Assembly seats.
Maharashtra Cabinet Expansion: BJP-Led Government Welcomes 39 New Ministers
On August 9, 2022, the BJP-led Maharashtra government underwent a much-anticipated cabinet expansion. With the addition of 39 new ministers, the cabinet now stands at a strength of 42.
Background:
The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections were held in October 2019, resulting in a hung assembly. The BJP emerged as the single largest party, winning 105 seats. However, the Shiv Sena, which had been allied with the BJP for over two decades, demanded equal representation in the government. After a lengthy impasse, the two parties agreed to form a coalition government with the support of independent MLAs.
Cabinet Expansion:
The cabinet expansion included 20 cabinet ministers, 12 ministers of state with independent charge, and 7 ministers of state. The BJP allocated 22 ministerial berths, while its coalition partners Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) received 11 and 9 berths respectively.
Significance:
The cabinet expansion marks the second time since 1991 that a swearing-in ceremony has been held in Nagpur, the birthplace of the BJP's ideology. It signals the party's growing stronghold in Maharashtra, where it has emerged as the dominant political force.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. Who is the Chief Minister of Maharashtra? Eknath Shinde is the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
2. How many ministers were sworn in during the cabinet expansion? 39 ministers were sworn in during the cabinet expansion.
3. Which party received the most ministerial berths? The BJP allocated 22 ministerial berths, followed by the Shiv Sena (11) and the NCP (9).
4. Why was the cabinet expansion held in Nagpur? Nagpur is the birthplace of the BJP's ideology. Holding the ceremony there signifies the party's growing stronghold in Maharashtra.
5. What is the significance of the cabinet expansion? The cabinet expansion strengthens the BJP-led coalition government and solidifies its position in the state of Maharashtra.
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