Cabinet reshuffle after Diwali, confirms CM Fadnavis

Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has confirmed that the much-awaited reshuffle of the state Cabinet will take place after Diwali. Mr Fadnavis had met Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Sunday night in Ahmedabad and held a lengthy meeting. Sources said the duo’s meeting went on for around six hours.

Speaking to the media on the eve of Diwali at his official residence ‘Varsha,’ Mr Fadnavis said, “Reshuffle will take place very soon, possibly immediately after Diwali.”

Mr Fadnavis also said former chief minister and ex-Congress leader Narayan Rane has joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), and a decision about him would be taken at the “right time.”

“Rane saheb has joined NDA now. We will take decision about his position at the right time,” he said. 

Former Congress leader Mr Rane had left the party to form his own. There is buzz in political circles that Mr Rane will be inducted in the Cabinet.  

As Mr Rane is one of the senior most leaders of the state, his supporters expect he will be allotted an important portfolio. But sources said other ministers from the BJP are disturbed over losing their portfolio to Mr Rane.

Close aides of Mr Rane indicated that he expects to be allotted the revenue ministry or at least the public works department (PWD). Interestingly, both these ministries are with senior BJP leader and number two in the state Cabinet, Chandrakant Patil. However, sources said Mr Patil is unlikely to be disturbed as he enjoys a close relationship with party president Mr Shah.