‘Some are unhappy’: Deputy CM Ajit Pawar on portfolio allocation in Maharashtra government | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar admitted on Sunday that dissatisfaction among some members was inevitable, a day after chief minister Devendra Fadnavis allocated portfolios in the newly sworn-in government.
“As the number of ministers is high, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had to give each minister a portfolio. Obviously, some are happy and some are not,” Pawar said at an event, according to PTI.
Pawar, who retained the crucial finance ministry, participated in a roadshow in his constituency, Baramati, and attended multiple felicitation events. The deputy chief minister announced plans to take charge of his office on Monday.
Pawar sought to reassure stakeholders, pointing out that work on pending projects would commence shortly.
Also read: CM Fadnavis keeps home ministry, Ajit Pawar gets finance, Shinde gets urban development in Maharashtra government
Addressing concerns about stalled initiatives, Pawar explained that many projects had been put on hold due to the enforcement of the model code of conduct for the Maharashtra Assembly elections, held on November 20. The election results were declared on November 23.
“We have received several communications about pending projects. Give us some time, and every task will be completed,” Pawar said, adding that ministers are currently visiting their constituencies to familiarize themselves with local issues before resuming their official responsibilities.
Pawar also revealed that the budget session of the Maharashtra legislature is scheduled to commence in Mumbai on March 3. “I aim to take CM Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde into confidence while preparing the budget,” he said.
In the new Cabinet, chief minister Fadnavis retained significant portfolios, including home, law and judiciary, energy (excluding renewable energy), general administration, and information & publicity.
Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde was entrusted with urban development, housing, and public works. Ajit Pawar, representing the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, was allocated finance, planning, and excise.
The late-night announcement of portfolios on Saturday marked the conclusion of extensive political negotiations within the ruling alliance.