Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has moved the weekly state Cabinet meeting to Monday afternoon at the Sahyadri Guest House, a change from its usual Tuesday slot, according to official sources. The rescheduling has been attributed to Fadnavis' scheduled attendance at a religious event outside Mumbai on Tuesday. The shift comes just before a series of gatherings involving senior leaders of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
Pre-budget huddle
Following the Cabinet meeting, Fadnavis is scheduled to host Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, along with other senior leaders and alliance coordinators, at his official residence, Varsha bungalow. The meeting is expected to focus on coordination among the three parties that form the Mahayuti government, with sources indicating that discussions are likely to include governance issues, coordination between alliance partners, and differences that may have emerged within the ruling coalition. A dinner involving ministers and key representatives of the three parties is also scheduled to follow the meeting at Varsha.
India Today reports that the back-to-back meetings have added to political speculation in the state, particularly after Fadnavis' recent visit to New Delhi. There have been discussions in political circles about a potential change in leadership dynamics or a larger political reshuffle. Government sources, however, have rejected speculation of an imminent political change and maintained that Fadnavis continues to be focused on the functioning of the state government. The meetings are being viewed officially as an effort to improve coordination among the alliance partners and address issues affecting the government's functioning.
Coordination committee's first meeting
Separately, The Times of India reports that Fadnavis for the first time conducted a coordination committee meeting of the Mahayuti allies. The meeting was held at Fadnavis' official residence on Monday evening, starting at 7 pm and followed by dinner. Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar were present for the meeting, as were other cabinet ministers and senior party leaders.
Among the issues discussed were appointments to state-run corporations. Sources said appointments are likely to be made in the next fortnight. A couple of meetings will be held before the formal announcement is made, said sources. The distribution of District Planning Committee (DPC) funds was discussed in detail. The funds have been a source of contention between the allies. Sources said 70% of the funds will be given directly to the local MLA for development works while 30% will be decided by the local guardian minister. Instructions were also issued to strictly not criticise each other's party, MLA, MP and senior leaders in public, said sources.