Consequences of the Maha Yuti rout in Maharashtra seems to be having an effect on the Cabinet positions. NCP seems to be the first NDA ally to not get a cabinet minister post despite 'requesting' for it.
Speaking to the press earlier today, Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis said, "Nationalist Congress Party was offered one seat from the government- MoS Independent Charge. But their request was from their side... Praful Patel's name was finalised and he was already a minister. Therefore, he would not be able to hold the post of MoS Independent Charge."
Fadnavis also made it clear that there were no bad feelings despite the snub, stating, "When a government is formed with an alliance some criteria need to be decided, because several sides are together. But because of one party, the criteria cannot be twisted. But, I am sure that in the future when there will be an expansion at that time they will be remembered at that time...They (had) requested for a cabinet minister post..."
A Minister of State with independent charge, what Patel was offered, is a ministerial post without an overseeing Cabinet Minister in the State or Union Government of India. He himself is in charge of his ministry, unlike Minister of State who is also a Minister but assists a cabinet minister.
Published 09 June 2024, 11:22 IST