BJP hints at implementing Modi's model of minimum government maximum governance in Maharashtra. Sanjay Jog reports
The Bharatiya Janata Party has started internal deliberations for the allocation of portfolios to the new council of ministers in Maharashtra.
According to sources, several departments will be merged to reduce administrative expenses as well as to streamline their functioning.
The BJP has already indicated it will follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ‘minimum government and maximum governance’ model in the state.
A BJP leader told Business Standard: “If Devendra Fadnavis makes it to the chief minister's post, he is expected to keep with him urban development, housing and general administration. Fadnavis, who has already said he would probe the irregularities during the Congress-NCP regime, will have to initiate an inquiry into the various files cleared by former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan pertaining to projects worth Rs 12,000 crore in the run-up to the assembly poll. Besides, he will have to launch the Housing Regulatory Authority.”
Vinod Tawde, leader of opposition in the Maharashtra legislative council and the new MLA from Borivali, is likely to get finance and tourism portfolios.
Tawde will have to convert the revenue-deficit Budget into a revenue-surplus one and take a slew of measures to increase tax collection.
Eknath Khadse, leader of opposition in the 12th assembly, is tipped to be next revenue minister.
Former state unit chief Sudhir Mungantiwar, who comes from the Naxal-dominated Chandrapur district, is the top contender for the home portfolio.
Girish Bapat, a senior party legislator from Pune, might get either parliamentary affairs or the post of assembly speaker.
Pankaja Munde-Palwe, the daughter of late Gopinath Munde, might get rural development and education, while Muslim leader Pasha Patel, who lost the assembly election, is likely to be made minister for minorities welfare. In which case, Patel will be elected to the state council.
BJP's Mumbai unit chief Ashish Shelar is tipped to get public works and he might also head the state undertaking Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation.
Further, senior party legislators and former ministers Prakash Mehata and Raj Purohit are being considered for energy and excise departments, respectively.
