Fadnavis meets PM Modi, Shinde stays away; Maharashtra Cabinet expansion on Saturday

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed issues related to the state.

Fadnavis was in Delhi to discuss Maharashtra Cabinet formation.

This was the first time he  called on the prime minister after assuming office of Chief Minister on December 5.

"In last 10 years, with your support Maharashtra is Number 1 in almost every sector and now aims to take this journey of VIKAS to the next level under your leadership and guidance," Fadnavis said in a post on X.

He said he was extremely thankful of Modi for his valuable time, guidance, blessings and standing firm behind Maharashtra.

"You have always been an inspiration to crores of BJP Karyakarta like us to work even harder," Fadnavis said.

Extremely thankful to Hon PM Narendra Modi ji for your valuable time, guidance, blessings and standing firm behind Maharashtra.

In last 10 years, with your support Maharashtra is Number 1 in almost every sector and now aims to take this journey of VIKAS to the next level under… pic.twitter.com/nr6pmBG5UC

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) December 12, 2024

Also, in Delhi was NCP chief Ajit Pawar, who is deputy CM in the state. Pawar said: “The Cabinet expansion would be held on Saturday.”

Shiv Sena chief and deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was not in Delhi amid talks that he was upset at not being considered for Home portfolio, which he was adamant on.

The BJP had made it clear to allies Sena and NCP that Home would remain with the Chief Minister.

Shinde was arguing that Fadnavis had Home ministry in the previous Maharashtra government when he was deputy Chief Minister.

The BJP, however, said “that was a different time”. Out of 43 Cabinet berths, the BJP is likely to keep over 20 distributing the rest among allies.