Amid Portfolio Allocation Delays, Opposition Targets Mahayuti Government Over Corruption Allegations and Governance Challenges
Nagpur (Maharashtra), December 16: As 39 ministers were sworn into Maharashtra’s new Mahayuti government, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar accused at least 15 cabinet ministers of being “tainted” with corruption and harassment charges. Wadettiwar, a former Leader of Opposition, criticized the cabinet composition and suggested that the government prioritize accountability over tenure.
“There are about 15 ministers in this cabinet with corruption and harassment charges against them. They have a criminal background and work with goons while safeguarding culprits,” Wadettiwar alleged in an interaction with ANI.
Cabinet Rotation Criticism
The Congress leader also questioned the Mahayuti government’s approach to ministerial appointments. He proposed annual reviews to assess performance instead of waiting for the 2.5-year rotation period typically used in coalitions.
“They have such a huge majority. Why wait 2.5 years? Ministers should be reviewed annually—keep those who perform and remove those who don’t,” Wadettiwar remarked.
Shiv Sena Dismisses Concerns Over Delays
Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant dismissed concerns over portfolio allocation delays, assuring reporters that the assignments would be finalized within two days. Speaking on NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal’s reported dissatisfaction over being denied a ministerial berth, Samant described it as a temporary issue.
“We are all family. Such things happen in a family. Leaders like Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar, and Devendra Fadnavis will find a solution,” he said.
Government Plans and Assembly Session
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis outlined his government’s agenda, announcing plans to table 20 bills during the winter session of the Maharashtra Assembly, which runs from December 16 to December 21 in Nagpur.
In a press conference, Fadnavis emphasized that the Mahayuti government is committed to “dynamic governance.” Deputy CM Eknath Shinde highlighted their focus on “Mission Prosperous Maharashtra,” while Deputy CM Ajit Pawar pledged balanced development across the state.
Cabinet Composition and Election Victory
The cabinet expansion comes over two weeks after CM Fadnavis and his deputies were sworn in on December 5. Despite their decisive victory in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections, where the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a massive 235 seats, the delay in forming the cabinet drew criticism from the opposition.
The BJP emerged as the single largest party with 132 seats, followed by Shiv Sena with 57 seats and the NCP with 41 seats.
Conclusion
As the Mahayuti alliance finalizes its cabinet portfolios, the government faces scrutiny from the opposition over alleged corruption and inefficiencies. With a significant mandate, the ruling coalition has the opportunity to focus on governance reforms and deliver on its promises of prosperity and development across Maharashtra.