Shah confidante replaces Khadse as No. 2 in govt

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced Patil’s appointment to the post during a special session of the Legislative Council. Khadse’s ouster from the government following accusations of impropriety and graft had prompted the appointment.

An old hand, and a Nagpur native himself, Patil had shot to prominence after Shah deputed him as his emissary for talks on the government formation with the Shiv Sena in October 2014.

Patil is also expected to shoulder the responsibility of the all-important revenue portfolio vacated by Khadse.
A rejig in the portfolios is on the cards following the Cabinet expansion Friday. A formal announcement on portfolio allocation is expected Saturday.