Maharashtra cabinet expansion is likely to get delayed, sources told News18, adding that portfolio allocation will not happen before July 17 as discussion continues amid differences in alliance partners.
Sources further said that all portfolios are being screened yet again for allocation, and BJP ministers alone may not face the brunt of NCP’s joining the alliance. A source said that some sitting ministers may have to part with key portfolios and may given other ministries.
A report by ews agency PTI quoted its sources in the BJP as saying that the expansion of the cabinet was unlikely before the session though the allocation of portfolios to the NCP ministers might happen in the coming days.
A senior BJP leader said the council of ministers might comprise only cabinet ministers and no ministers of state. However, a leader from the Shinde-led Shiv Sena said the cabinet expansion could happen in a day or two. Both BJP and Shiv Sena members will be accommodated, he said.
There has been speculation about restlessness in the Shinde camp after the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction became a part of the ruling alliance.
According to sources in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which was split after Ajit Pawar and his supporters broke away, 19 MLAs have given affidavits saying they stand by party founder Sharad Pawar. Six MLAs have sent messages asserting that they continue to be in the Sharad Pawar faction, the sources said.
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