The state government seems to be getting ready for the long-awaited cabinet expansion, creating a sense of anticipation among MLAs from the BJP and the faction led by Eknath Shinde within the
Shiv Sena. They are hopeful and eagerly awaiting the outcome.
When questioned about the potential cabinet expansion, the Chief Minister expressed that the process would be initiated in the near future. However, sources within his office revealed that the expansion might occur in the following week, following the Chief Minister's visit to Delhi over the weekend.
During an official function as the guardian minister of Raigad, State Industries Minister Uday Samant made an intriguing statement, referring to himself as the "temporary guardian minister of the district." Moreover, he hinted at the possibility of Bharat Gogawale, a Shiv Sena MLA from Mahad, being included in the cabinet and potentially assuming the responsibility of the district as the guardian minister.
There are strong indications that the cabinet expansion could occur within the next 10 days. In response to these speculations, Gogawale acknowledged that he has also heard about the likelihood of the expansion taking place in approximately 10 days.
In a related development, it has been reported that Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made an unexpected visit to Delhi over the weekend, specifically during midnight hours. This visit is being perceived as a significant step in the government's preparations leading up to the cabinet expansion.
On Saturday, Eknath Shinde, a prominent figure, is set to travel to Delhi as confirmed by a senior official from the Chief Minister's Office. During his visit, he is expected to attend a meeting and potentially stay to witness the inauguration of the new Parliament house on Sunday. Shinde's visit to Delhi is likely to involve discussions concerning the cabinet expansion, with the actual process anticipated to occur by the end of the month.
According to sources, there is a possibility that only seven MLAs from both alliance partners, the
BJP and Shiv Sena, will be included in this round of expansion instead of the initially speculated 11 each. The remaining MLAs might have to wait for the subsequent expansion to secure a place in the cabinet.
