The BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra has unveiled the eagerly anticipated portfolio allocation, marking a significant development in the state’s political landscape. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has retained the powerful Home Ministry, along with key portfolios such as Energy (excluding Renewable Energy), Law and Judiciary, General Administration, and Information & Publicity. This move consolidates Fadnavis's influence within the Maharashtra Cabinet, ensuring his direct oversight over critical areas of governance.
Meanwhile, NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who joined the government as a deputy chief minister, has been entrusted with the important Finance and Planning departments, underscoring his role in managing the state's economic policies and developmental strategies.
Former Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, who was reportedly vying for the Home Ministry, has been assigned the Urban Development, Housing, and Public Works (Public Enterprises) portfolios. These are significant responsibilities, particularly in a rapidly urbanizing state like Maharashtra, and reflect his continued prominence in the coalition.
Other notable allocations include Chandrakant Patil of the BJP, who will oversee Higher & Technical Education, and Ganesh Naik, assigned the Forests department. Dada Bhuse, a Shiv Sena member, has been appointed to the School Education department, further diversifying the Mahayuti alliance's representation across critical portfolios.
Chandrashekhar Bawankule, the Maharashtra BJP president, has been given the Revenue Department, a key area dealing with land and revenue management. The Water Resources portfolio has gone to Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil of the BJP, while NCP leader Hasan Mushrif will handle Medical Education.
Additionally, Dhananjay Munde from the NCP has been assigned Food and Civil Supplies, ensuring oversight of essential commodities and distribution networks. BJP’s Ashok Uike will lead the Tribal Development department, focusing on initiatives for indigenous communities, and Ashish Shelar has been tasked with Information Technology and Culture, reflecting the state's focus on modernization and cultural preservation.
The announcement follows remarks from Devendra Fadnavis, who assured reporters that the portfolio distribution had been finalized. The allocation was made public after days of speculation and negotiations, highlighting the complex power-sharing dynamics within the Mahayuti coalition, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
This government formation comes in the wake of the November 20 assembly polls, where the Mahayuti coalition achieved a resounding victory, securing 230 of 288 seats. The new ministers were sworn in on December 5, with the portfolio allocation paving the way for the coalition's governance strategy ahead of the upcoming Winter Session on December 15.
The carefully balanced portfolio distribution underscores the coalition’s effort to maintain unity while leveraging the strengths of its diverse leadership. It also reflects an intent to prioritize governance in key sectors, from urban development and education to finance and energy, signaling a comprehensive approach to addressing Maharashtra's pressing challenges and opportunities.
