Maharashtra Government

The two law-makers are: Prakash Surve from Magathane (Mumbai) and Santosh Bangar from Kalamnuri (Hingoli), whose fury in words and deeds have gone viral on social media evoking sharp reactions. An aghast Nationalist Congress Party's Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar sarcastically asked why the regime -- whose fate is still pending in Supreme Court -- displays so much 'masti'.

Shinde will handle Urban Development, IT, GAD, PWD (Public Projects), Transport and other departments, as per an official announcement. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been given the crucial Home, Finance and Planning, Law and Justice, Water Resources, Energy, Housing and other portfolios.

Thackeray faction leader and chief whip Ajay Chaudhari had written to Speaker Rahul Narvekar seeking representation to the BAC, but it was rejected. However, now two ministers from the faction headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have been included in the BAC -- Dada Bhuse and Uday Samant. The BAC presided over by Shinde and attended by group leaders of all parties on Thursday decided to extend the Monsoon Session by two days and now it will be held from August 17-25.

According to a study conducted by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), a total of 15 ministers have declared criminal cases, including seven from the Shinde Group Shiv Sena and eight from the BJP, in the 'gents only cabinet'. Of these, 65 per cent -- or 13 ministers -- including seven from Shinde Group and six from the BJP have serious criminal cases filed against them.

At least two -- Bacchu Kadu and Rajendra Patil-Yadravkar -- expressed a grouse against Shinde-Fadnavis for not giving them any representation in the 20-member ministry comprising 10 Shiv Sena rebels and 10 BJP MLAs. Earlier, the 18 Independents and smaller parties who supported Shinde were assured of adequate representation, and now they have been promised inclusion in the next round of cabinet expansion likely after the Monsoon Session of the Legislature starting on August 17.

Attempting a balancing act, Shinde has inducted nine ministers from his group and 9 from the ally Bharatiya Janata Party, over 40 days after the duo took over on June 30 after the collapse of the erstwhile Maha Vikas Aghadi government headed by former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Nationalist Congress Party's Leader of Opposition said that the cabinet expansion will be on a small scale to enable smooth conduct of the upcoming Legislature Session."Fadnavis called me to inform and also invited me to attend the oath ceremony. I shall be present there," Pawar told mediapersons. As per available indications, around a dozen MLAs from both the Shinde Group and BJP are set to join the first fledgling cabinet team to be augmented by the CM.

Shinde gave indications to the effect in Nanded where he is on a tour on Monday, saying that "you will come to know soon" and the names of the ministers shall be finalised by latter this night or Tuesday. More ministers may be inducted Tuesday - a day ahead of the Monsoon Session of Maharashtra Legislature which is expected to start from Wednesday.

After reaching Delhi on Saturday, Shinde said that he is visiting the national capital to attend the NITI Aayog meeting. More than 35 days have passed after Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took the oath of office but cabinet is yet to be expanded. However as per sources, Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis are already in the capital and may discuss cabinet expansion with the bigwigs of the BJP.

Thackeray replaces his wife Rashmi who was named as the Editor around 32 months ago when he took over as Maharashtra Chief Minister. The development came five days after the Enforcement Directorate arrested Sena MP and Chief Spokesperson Sanjay Raut in an alleged money-laundering case. Raut, who has been the Executive Editor of 'Saamana' continues in the same post, as per the latest printline of Friday's edition.