Mahayuti Eyes Cabinet Positions for Winning MPs

After underwhelming results in Maharashtra, the Mahayuti alliance is focusing on selecting its successful MPs from the state to recommend for cabinet positions. Senior BJP figures and former union ministers Nitin Gadkari and Piyush Goyal are among those shortlisted, with a Maratha leader also expected to be included, according to sources.

Decision on Maharashtra Union Minister Appointments

Sources from News18 indicate that a decision will be made on Thursday regarding which Maharashtra MPs will join the union cabinet. Two MPs from Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction may be chosen, and an experienced Maratha MP is also likely to secure a cabinet post. While there are many contenders, the BJP has already confirmed Narayan Rane, Nitin Gadkari, and Piyush Goyal, who secured his debut election victory in Mumbai North Lok Sabha with over 60% of the vote. This decision is expected to be discussed with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Importance of Maratha Representation

There is a significant push to include an experienced Maratha leader in the cabinet following the NDA’s poor performance in the Marathwada region, which was attributed to dissatisfaction among community members and farmers, as well as a lack of major development projects. The BJP lost all four seats it contested in Marathwada, including Jalna where Union Minister Raosaheb Danve was defeated. Sandipan Bhumare (Aurangabad) was the sole victorious candidate from the ruling Mahayuti in this region.

Election Results Breakdown in Marathwada

The Congress secured victories in Nanded, Jalna, and Latur, while Shiv Sena (UBT) won in Parbhani, Osmanabad, and Hingoli. The NCP (SP) took the Beed seat. Senior journalist Sanjiv Kulkarni noted the impact of former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan’s switch from Congress to BJP, which surprised locals given the longstanding support the Congress had provided to the Chavan family. Discontent among farmers over crop prices also played a role in the election outcomes.

Influence of Caste and Development Issues

Political analyst Datta Deshmukh highlighted the caste factor in Beed, where BJP’s Pankaja Munde lost to NCP (SP) candidate Bajrang Sonwane. The Maratha quota agitation, which saw several suicides and a lack of response from authorities, significantly influenced voter sentiment. The initial phase of the quota protest and the absence of visible development in terms of investment and infrastructure were also critical issues for voters.

Maratha Quota Agitation and Government Response

Quota activist Manoj Jarange had previously warned that the Maratha community would retaliate against the Mahayuti government for denying reservations and prosecuting protesters. The agitation intensified in September 2023 after police action against protesters in Jalna’s Antarwali Sarati, leading to violent demonstrations in Beed and other areas. This eventually forced the government into negotiations.