Maharashtra government witnesses a strategic cabinet expansion with seasoned NCP leaders Chhagan Bhujbal, Dilip Walse Patil, and Dhananjay Munde among the inductees.
In a surprising turn of events, Ajit Pawar, after intense speculation about his allegiance, took the oath of office as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister on Sunday. This move marks his latest attempt, four years after his failed attempt to divide the Nationalist Congress Party, to assume the role and share the position with BJP's Devendra Fadnavis.
The day commenced with Maharashtra Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar expressing confidence in the government's stability, asserting that "More than 40 MLAs are extending support to the government. Almost the entire NCP will be joining..." This statement further solidified the NCP's commitment to the ruling alliance, dispelling doubts about their unity.
Before the oath-taking ceremony, Ajit Pawar held an urgent meeting with NCP MLAs, with sources indicating that at least 30-40 party legislators were present. Notably, eight prominent NCP leaders, including Chhagan Bhujbal, Dilip Walse Patil, Hasan Mushrif, Dhananjay Munde, Aatram Dharamraobaba Bhagwantrao, Aditi Tatkare, Sanjay Baburao Bansode, and Anil Bhaidas Patil, also switched sides and took the oath alongside Ajit Pawar.
Chhagan Bhujbal, a five-time MLA representing Yeola, is a prominent OBC face in the predominantly Maratha-centric NCP. He had previously separated from the Shiv Sena in the early 90s to join the Congress party at the request of Sharad Pawar.
Dilip Walse Patil, a seven-time MLA from the Ambegaon Assembly constituency in Western Maharashtra, is a close aide of NCP founder Sharad Pawar. He has previously served as a political secretary to Sharad Pawar.
Hasan Mushrif, a five-time MLA from the Kagal Assembly constituency in Western Maharashtra, is a prominent Muslim leader within the NCP.
Dhananjay Munde, representing the Beed Assembly constituency, is a first-time MLA who previously served as the leader of Opposition in the legislative council. He is the nephew of BJP leader Gopinath Munde and has close ties with Ajit Pawar.
Aatram Dharamraobaba Bhagwantrao, a tribal leader, represents the Aheri Assembly constituency in Gadchiroli city.
Aditi Tatkare, daughter of NCP leader and Lok Sabha MP Sunil Tatkare, is a first-time MLA from Shrivardhan and previously held a ministerial position in the MVA government.
Sanjay Baburao Bansode, a first-term MLA from Latur, served as a cabinet minister in the Maharashtra government from December 2019 to June 2022. He is considered a close associate of Ajit Pawar and was present during the early morning swearing-in ceremony in 2019.
Anil Bhaidas Patil, the chief whip of the NCP in the Maharashtra Assembly, represents the Amalner assembly constituency in Jalgaon district.