In a news that could change the political alignments in Maharashtra, the cabinet reshuffle is likely to take place after Diwali. This decision comes after chief minister Devendra Fadnavis met Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Sunday night in Ahmedabad and held a lengthy meeting. Sources said the duo’s meeting went on for around six hours.
Speaking to the media on the eve of Diwali at his official residence ‘Varsha,’ Mr Fadnavis said, “Reshuffle will take place very soon, possibly immediately after Diwali.” Fadnavis also said former chief minister and ex-Congress leader Narayan Rane has joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), and a decision about him would be taken at the “right time,” reported The Asian Age.
“Rane saheb has joined NDA now. We will take decision about his position at the right time,” he said. Former Congress leader Rane had left the party to form his own. There is a strong indication that Rane may be inducted into the cabinet and could be given a plum post.
Also read: Government will not let its employees run a tirade against the party in power: CM Devendra Fadnavis
According to the sources who are close to Rane indicated that he expects to be allotted the revenue ministry or at least the public works department (PWD). Interestingly, both these ministries are with senior BJP leader and number two in the state Cabinet, Chandrakant Patil. However, sources said Patil is unlikely to be disturbed as he enjoys a close relationship with party president Amit Shah.
This reshuffle comes on the back of state government about to complete three years in the office and is currently governing Maharashtra with regional party Shiv Sena as alliance partner.
