Tussle triggers on induction of MLAs of the NCP over the allocation of portfolios
Tussle triggers on induction of MLAs of the NCP over the allocation of portfolios
Apparently, a tussle has triggered on the induction of the MLAs of the NCP over the allocation of portfolios.
According to the ruling Shiv Sena in Maharashtra the state cabinet’s expansion and allocation of portfolios are in all probability to happen on July 14, but, the rival faction of the party doubts the MLAs belonging to the Eknath Shinde-led camp would be accommodated in the new ministry.
On July 2, senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar and eight other legislators of his party took oath as ministers in the Maharashtra government. The surprise move led to a split in the Sharad Pawar-led outfit.
Whereas, the ruling Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Shirsat on Thursday asserted that the expansion of the cabinet and the allocation of portfolios are “99 per cent” probably to happen on Friday, even as his party colleague and minister Uday Samant maintained that it would be done at an “appropriate time”.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) took a dig at the ruling party, saying that it is doubtful that MLAs of the Shinde-led party would be accommodated in the cabinet and that the suits stitched by aspirants to attend the oath-taking ceremony may not see the light of the day.
However, the Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve, belonging to the Sena (UBT), makes it known that it will be difficult for the BJP to satisfy the people they have pulled together.
It is not impossible, but it is very difficult to meet the expectations of MLAs of the three parties, he said.
Danve claims that there is an imbalance on the number of MLAs who want to turn a minister and actual posts available. There is a lot of discontent amidst the BJP workers.
He added that In such a case, the cabinet expansion is a challenging task.
Danve further asked when there is still no allocation of portfolios (to the NCP MLAs who took oath as ministers), so when will another round of cabinet expansion take place? It appears that the new suit they have switched is likely to remain unused.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut doubts that cabinet expansion would happen because it would lead to an explosion of anger in the two ruling groups – the Shiv Sena and the NCP.
Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha (UBT) member claims that all the ministers from the Ajit Pawar faction are heavyweights who have served as deputy chief minister, home minister…so they will need to be given portfolios of that stature. On the other hand, the Shinde faction will have to suffice over peanuts.
News Edit K.V.Raman
