Jumbo cabinet: Cong ministers offer to resign

ALL 28 Congress ministers in Maharashtra today offered to resign from the government to enable Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde to restruct...

ALL 28 Congress ministers in Maharashtra today offered to resign from the government to enable Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde to restructure his jumbo Cabinet.

The offer was made in keeping with the law passed in Parliament that the strength of the Cabinet should not exceed 15 per cent of the strength of the Lower House. The amendment is aimed at curbing expenditure.

The Democratic Front government comprises 67 ministers, 28 each from Congress and NCP, and the remaining from other alliance partners.

Story continues below this ad

Shinde said he will ensure that the size of the ministry is reduced before the July 7 deadline by the Centre. ‘‘All the Congress Cabinet ministers have agreed to resign,’’ he said.

Today’s announcement came after a series of discussions initiated by him. Minister of State for Home Kripa Shankar Singh had proposed that the CM ask all Cabinet members to quit in order to facilitate the formation of a new Cabinet. The matter was placed before Congress ministers after consultations with Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and AICC general secretary Vayalar Ravi. Subsequently, all members agreed that the Cabinet size should be reduced before the budget session begins on May 24.

When asked on the status of the NCP ministers, Shinde said he could only speak for his Congress colleagues.

State NCP president and Home Minister R.R. Patil later said NCP members would also quit, but after consulting party president Sharad Pawar.

Security personnel lathi-charge protesters during a demonstration over the issue of 'I Love Mohammad' posters, in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. (PTI Photo)

Bareilly protest over ‘I Love Mohammad’ turns violent: Stones pelted, vehicles damaged

Cities15 min ago

Tension erupted in Bareilly, UP as groups held processions supporting an "I Love Mohammad" banner. Police intervened, leading to stone pelting and damage to vehicles. Heavy police deployment brought the situation under control. No injuries reported. Protests were in response to a light board displaying the message, resulting in an FIR and escalating tensions.

View all shorts

Live Blog

PHOTOS