Twists and turns marked finalisation of Chavan's cabinet

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan’s maiden attempt to finalise the list of the council of ministers was marked by last-minute twists and turns.

A secular muslim leader and party spokeman Hussain Dalwai, who was tipped off to be minister till 1.30 am on Friday, could not find a place. Party legislator and businessman from tribal Dhule district Amarish Patel also failed to get a berth.

Chavan, who was keen to induct Dalwai, called him up at midnight to say sorry. However, Rajendra Darda, who was industries minister, and Shivajirrao Moghe, minister of social justice, found place in the cabinet, due to hectic politicking.

This is despite Chavan being a close confidant of 10 Janpath and a bridge between the prime minister and Congress President. Finally, 19 ministers, including 14 cabinet and five ministers of state of the Congress party, were sworn in after eight days of Chavan being sworn in as chief minister.

Chavan told Business Standard “It was a major exercise as the party has inducted 19 ministers at one go. Even Congress President Sonia Gandhi and defence minister and party general secretary in charge of Maharashtra, AK Antony, have expressed happiness at this development. The list was finalised under their guidance.” He admitted some minor changes were made around midnight and added these were quite obvious.

However, a senior Congress minister, who did not want to be quoted, said “Congress President Sonia Gandhi’s political advisor Ahmad Patel has played a key role. He was in constant touch with the chief minister. Exclusion of Dalwai and the party’s inability to absorb Amrish Patel were communicated by Ahmad Patel himself to Chavan. However, Rajendra Darda could find his place at the eleventh hour due to Ahmad Patel’s intervention as the former had already withdrawn from the race.”

At the same time, the Congress leader said the party president took a proactive role in the elevation of Padmakar Walvi and Varsha Gaikwad to the cabinet rank. Further, party legislator Sanjay Deotale’s induction as a cabinet minister has been done with a sole objective to consolidate the party’s position in the naxalite infested Chandrapur and Gadchiroli districts of the Vidarbha region.