Maharashtra Cabinet: Meet the 4 women ministers in CM Devendra Fadnavis’ team

Last update:December 15, 2024, 8:06 p.m. IST

The four leaders are Pankaja Munde (BJP), Aditi Tatkare (NCP), Madhuri Misal (BJP) and Meghna Bordikar (BJP). While Munde and Tatkare were sworn in as ministers, Misal and Bordikar will be government ministers

(Clockwise from top left) Pankaja Munde, Aditi Tatkare, Madhuri Misal and Meghna Bordikar. (X)

In a significant milestone for Maharashtra’s political landscape, the Mahayuti government inducted four women leaders – Pankaja Munde, Aditi Tatkare, Madhuri Misal and Meghna Bordikar – into its newly expanded cabinet at an investiture ceremony held at Raj Bhavan on Sunday in Nagpur.

A total of 39 ministers, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Ajit Pawar, took oath. Of the 39 ministers, 33 were sworn in as ministers, while six assumed the duties of Ministers of State (MoS).

The ceremony was presided over by Governor CV Radhakrishnan, in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CMs Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde.

The cabinet expansion aimed to balance regional aspirations, accommodate caste-based dynamics and introduce new leadership, reflecting the government’s emphasis on inclusiveness and efficiency.

THE FOUR WOMEN MINISTERS

Munde, a veteran politician and popular leader in the BJP, made a strong comeback to the cabinet as a senior minister. Known for her administrative acumen and popular appeal, her induction is expected to strengthen the party’s rural reach and strengthen its ties with marginalized communities.

Tatkare, from the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar, returned to the cabinet as chief minister. Having previously managed portfolios such as tourism and water resources, Tatkare is recognized for her administrative abilities, and her reappointment reflects the faction’s reliance on experienced leaders.

Meanwhile, Misal, chief minister representing Pune, took oath as state minister. With a track record of championing social welfare and women’s empowerment, its inclusion highlights the BJP’s intention to improve urban representation in the cabinet.

Another newcomer, Meghna Bordikar, has also taken on the role of state minister. A dynamic and emerging leader, Bordikar’s induction underlines the BJP’s commitment to nurturing new talent and providing a platform to young politicians.

While seasoned leaders like Munde and Tatkare provide continuity, newcomers like Madhuri Misal and Meghna Bordikar represent a push for rejuvenation.

SENIORS LEFT OUTSIDE

Interestingly, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) has not included any women leaders in the Cabinet, which has drawn criticism and raised questions about its approach to gender inclusion. This omission has become a topic of discussion in political circles.

While several leaders celebrated their induction, some notable names were left out of the cabinet. From the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar, senior leaders such as Chhagan Bhujbal and Dilip Walse Patil were excluded despite their experience and influence. Similarly, Deepak Kesarkar of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) did not find a place in the cabinet, a decision that surprised many within his party.

The expansion also brought new opportunities for several executives.

NEW FACES

Chandrashekhar Bawankule, the state president of the BJP, got a cabinet berth after being overlooked in previous expansions.

Dhananjay Munde of the NCP retained his ministerial role, thereby reinforcing his importance within the faction.

Pratap Sarnaik, a Shiv Sena loyalist (Shinde faction), finally won a cabinet berth after a long wait.

This cabinet reshuffle comes days before the start of the winter session of the Maharashtra assembly on December 16. The distribution of portfolios in the coming days will further clarify the government’s strategy and the roles these leaders will play in solving Maharashtra’s pressing problems. With this new composition, attention will now focus on the ability of ministers to keep their promises and meet public expectations.