Ramdas Athawale Expresses Discontent Over Lack of Inclusion in Maharashtra Cabinet Expansion

Union Minister and Republican Party of India (A) chief Ramdas Athawale has voiced his displeasure over being excluded from the Maharashtra cabinet expansion. Speaking about the event, which is being held in Nagpur, Athawale revealed that he was not even invited to the swearing-in ceremony despite his party being a part of the Mahayuti (grand alliance).

Ramdas Athawale Expresses Discontent Over Lack of Inclusion in Maharashtra Cabinet Expansion

#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Union Minister Ramdas Athawale says, "The swearing-in ceremony of ministers in the Maharashtra cabinet expansion is being organised in Nagpur. CM and DCMs are attending the ceremony there. Despite being a part of Mahayuti, I did not even get the… pic.twitter.com/8kXdLjeaGT

— ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2024

Athawale highlighted the contributions of the Republican Party of India (A) in the state’s political landscape, particularly its performance in the Vidhan Sabha elections. "We held meetings with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who assured us of at least one ministerial position. However, no representation from our party has been included in this expansion," Athawale stated.

Ramdas Athawale Criticizes Exclusion from Maharashtra Cabinet Expansion, Demands Ministerial Post

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, along with other political leaders. Athawale's absence and his public statement underline growing discontent within the alliance.

Athawale reiterated his party's commitment to the Mahayuti but demanded rightful representation in the cabinet. "We demand at least one ministry in this cabinet expansion," he said, emphasizing the Republican Party of India (A)'s role in strengthening the alliance during the elections.

The Republican Party of India (A) has traditionally aligned itself with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led coalitions, contributing to their electoral success in various states. However, Athawale's exclusion from the cabinet expansion raises questions about the distribution of ministerial portfolios and internal dynamics within the Mahayuti.

As the cabinet expansion proceeds, it remains to be seen how the BJP and its allies address the concerns raised by Athawale and ensure equitable representation of all coalition partners. The event also highlights the delicate balance required in coalition politics, where competing interests must be managed to maintain unity and trust.