Mon Dec 16 16:14:15 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra Cabinet Expanded with 39 New Ministers

**Nagpur, December 15** – The Maharashtra government underwent a significant expansion today, with 39 new ministers from the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance (BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP) being sworn in at a ceremony in Nagpur. The ceremony, which began at 4:00 PM, brings the total number of ministers in the Mahayuti government to 42. This expansion comes just ten days after Devendra Fadnavis assumed the Chief Ministership, alongside Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. Governor P C Radhakrishnan administered the oaths.

The Mahayuti alliance secured a resounding victory in the recent state elections, winning 230 out of 288 seats. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats, followed by Eknath Shinde’s faction of Shiv Sena (57 seats) and Ajit Pawar’s NCP (41 seats).

The swearing-in ceremony saw a diverse range of new ministers take their oaths, including prominent figures from all three alliance partners. Notable appointees include Pankaja Munde (BJP), Chandrakant Patil (BJP), and Hasan Mushrif (NCP). A mix of veteran politicians and new faces were inducted into the cabinet.

Meanwhile, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi announced a boycott of a tea party hosted by the state government on the eve of the winter session of the state legislature.

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