Mon Dec 16 07:53:46 UTC 2024: **Maharashtra Cabinet Expanded, Ministers Face Performance Audit**
Nagpur, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a performance audit for all ministers following a significant cabinet expansion on Sunday. The expansion, taking place just before the winter session of the state assembly, saw 39 new ministers sworn in, bringing the total cabinet size to 42.
The swearing-in ceremony, the largest since 1991, included 33 cabinet ministers and six ministers of state. The BJP, as the largest party in the alliance, secured 19 ministerial berths, followed by the Shiv Sena (11) and the NCP (9). Notable among the new appointees are Pankaja Munde and Aditi Tatkare. Several former ministers were excluded from the reshuffle.
While portfolio allocations are expected within a few days, CM Fadnavis, along with his deputies Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena) and Ajit Pawar (NCP), emphasized a performance-based approach. Shinde indicated a two-and-a-half-year evaluation period for Shiv Sena ministers, while Pawar suggested underperformers could be replaced even sooner. All three leaders agreed on the implementation of a performance audit, though a specific timeline remains unannounced. The new administration pledged a focus on accelerated development.
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