Journalism of Courage
Devendra Fadnavis, the chief minister designate of Maharashtra, will be holding a series of meeting with the party’s allies before finalising the list of names to be sent to the Governor for his swearning in ceremony.
Fadnavis, who was elected the leader of the BJP’s legislative party, is said to have indicated that the first list of ministers who will take oath on Friday will only be from the party. The allies, it seems, will have to wait for the first cabinet expansion.
Post its break up with Shiv Sena, the BJP had decided to go with Rashtriya Samaj Paksha (RSP), Swambhimani Paksha and Republican Party of India (Athavale) for the state election. Other than RSP none of the allies managed to win any seats. However, the allies have staked claims to ministerial berths on the basis of per poll agreement.
Rahul Kul, the RSP MLA from Daund, said the party leadership will be meeting Fadnavis on Wednesday morning to decide on the ministerial claims. RSP sources indicated that if a cabinet berth is given to RSP, its president Mahadev Jankar would join the ministry and in case a state ministership is given, Kul will be taking the oath.
Similarly, Raju Shetti the Swambhimani Shetkari leader said his party would be talking to Fadnavis about the party’s claims to the cabinet. “”We will take a decision based on the offer made to us,” he said. Shetti’s close confidant Sadabhau Khot is touted to be included in the ministry.
The smaller parties have expressed their displeasure with the BJP post their rout in the Assembly elections and are hoping to get plump berths to keep their flock together.
