Maharashtra: Portfolios to ne finalised soon; Ladki Bahin payouts expected after Cabinet nod, says Uday Samant – Times of India

Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant

NAGPUR: Maharashtra minister Uday Samant on Tuesday dismissed speculation of any discord within the Mahayuti government, asserting that cabinet portfolios would be allocated within the next couple of days. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the winter assembly session, he assured that ministers will soon begin serving Maharashtra with renewed focus and clarity of roles.
Samant, a close confidant of former chief minister Eknath Shinde, highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing growing concerns around representation and pending issues such as the Ladki Bahin Yojana payouts.
Addressing questions about discontent among leaders like Tanaji Sawant and Vijay Shivtare, Samant dismissed concerns of factionalism within Shiv Sena. “Shiv Sena works as a family under Eknath Shinde Saheb’s leadership. We are actively engaging with senior leaders to address their concerns. Ultimately, everyone has a role to play in this government,” he said.
He further emphasised that performance remains a decisive factor for ministerial positions. “If I fail to deliver as a minister, I know Shinde Saheb can remove me within months. That responsibility drives all of us to perform for the people,” he remarked.
On the much-anticipated Ladki Bahin Yojana, Samant assured that beneficiaries will soon receive pending instalments. “The supplementary budget includes ₹1,400 crore for the scheme. The cabinet will clear the next payout, and the funds will be deposited in beneficiaries’ accounts shortly,” he said.
He clarified delays due to Aadhaar seeding and verification errors. “The process for new applicants takes time, often 15-20 days, as it involves income certification and account linking. Despite minor issues, the government is committed to ensuring no eligible woman is left out,” Samant added.
Responding to criticism regarding lack of representation for tribal communities, Samant said the cabinet expansion was guided by social engineering principles. “This was not about one party’s interests but a collective Mahayuti decision. We aimed for balanced representation across all communities, including OBCs, SCs, and tribals,” he explained.
Samant refused to comment on reports of NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal’s dissatisfaction over his exclusion from the cabinet. “It’s an internal matter of their party. Ajit Pawar and other NCP leaders will address it appropriately,” he said.
Samant defended Uddhav Thackeray’s recent meetings with Shiv Sena (UBT) MLAs. “He is their party leader and has every right to guide his legislators. It’s a normal democratic process,” he said.
Samant acknowledged the aspirations of party workers regarding key portfolios like the home ministry. “It is natural for workers to want their leaders to hold prestigious departments, but ultimately, the chief minister will decide who gets what,” he said.
Samant concluded by reaffirming the Mahayuti government’s focus on delivering results. “Every leader has a responsibility to the people. Portfolios will be announced soon, and every minister will work towards fulfilling the government’s promises,” he asserted.
The Mahayuti government, comprising BJP, Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, has faced growing questions over cabinet allocations and internal discontent following the recent expansion. With key decisions on pending welfare schemes and governance yet to be finalised, Samant’s statements come as an attempt to present a united front while addressing the concerns of various stakeholders.