New Delhi [India]: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Thursday that he, along with NCP leader Ajit Pawar and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, will meet soon to devise a comprehensive strategy to accelerate the state’s development agenda. Shinde also mentioned plans to hold discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of a coordinated effort.
“After the formation of government in Maharashtra and the expansion of the cabinet, I met with the PM and he congratulated us for the success and the work we did for the development of the state. I, Ajit Pawar, and Devendra Fadnavis will meet again and will chalk out the strategy for the development of the state. We will also discuss this with the PM,” Shinde told media.
Key Outcomes from Winter Session in Nagpur
During the winter session of the Maharashtra Legislature in Nagpur, a detailed review highlighted measures for the development of Vidarbha and Marathwada. Topics included irrigation, industries, river-linking projects, and infrastructure.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis outlined a blueprint for a balanced and comprehensive Maharashtra, emphasizing sustainable development. The legislature passed 17 bills, including referring the Public Safety Bill to a joint committee for broader stakeholder input.
At a press conference following the session, Fadnavis reaffirmed the government’s commitment to initiatives benefiting farmers, citizens, and regional development.
Agreements and Financial Support
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed an agreement to provide Rs 3,586 crore for the second phase of the Nagpur Metro project, with a favorable interest rate of 0.72% over 20 years.
The ADB will also assist in:
- Building concrete roads in villages with over 1,000 residents.
- Strengthening industrial training institutes.
- Promoting bamboo cultivation through the “Mitra” organization.
Cabinet Responsibilities
Portfolios were distributed in the new Mahayuti government on December 21:
- Devendra Fadnavis: Home, Law, and Judiciary, with other departments unallocated.
- Eknath Shinde: Urban Development, Housing, and Public Works.
- Ajit Pawar: Finance, Planning, and Excise.
Additionally, Pankaja Munde received the Environment, Climate Change, and Animal Husbandry portfolios.
2024 Election and Government Expansion
The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance achieved a historic victory in the Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024, winning 235 seats. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats, while the Shiv Sena secured 57, and the NCP 41.
Following the results, Devendra Fadnavis and his deputies were sworn in on December 5. The Maharashtra cabinet was expanded on December 15, inducting 39 ministers, marking a new chapter for the Mahayuti government.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to serving the people, stating that recent decisions have significantly improved the lives of ordinary citizens, particularly women.