M'rashtra cabinet expansion not before Thursday

Maharashtra’s cabinet expansion is expected to take place only on Thursday or Friday. Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan is expected to discuss names with defence minister and party general secretary in charge of the state, A K Antony, and other senior party leaders tomorrow. He has to also talk to the party president’s political advisor, Ahmed Patel, before taking formal approval of Sonia Gandhi. And, Wednesday is the Eid festival.

State party head Manikrao Thakre told Business Standard: “The CM had a first round of talks with Antony today. Further discussions are required.” In such a situation, he said, the expansion was not possible for at least two more days. Several factors — seniority, regional representation, performance — have to be considered, he noted.

A former minister, camping in Delhi to ensure a berth again, said: “There has been pressure not to include tainted or controversial ministers and party members. Similarly, representation to various castes and communities is quite crucial.”

The Nationalist Congress Party, 10 of whose ministers, including Ajit Pawar as deputy chief minister, have already been sworn in, is already ready with the list of its other candidates. Said a party functionary: “We are waiting for the Congress party to finalise its list. We have prepared our list and discussed it with party chief Sharad Pawar.”

The NCP has several aspirants for the politically crucial home ministry. One section wants Ajit Pawar to take it to consolidate his position and the party’s strength. R R Patil, who was reinstated as home minister during the Ashok Chavan-led ministry, is keen to retain it. Patil had to resign after the November 26, 2008, terrorist attack in Mumbai and was replaced by Jayant Patil, who was then shifted to rural development. Tha latter would also be happy to regain home.