The newly-formed Maharashtra government led by Devendra Fadnavis took charge in a grand ceremony on Thursday. Fadnavis is the Chief Minister, while Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar of the Shiv Sena and NCP, respectively, will serve as Deputy Chief Ministers. The cabinet expansion is scheduled for December 11-12, with key portfolio discussions under way.

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• Fadnavis sworn in as CM; Shinde, Pawar as Deputies in Maharashtra’s new government.
• Ajit Pawar set to take the Finance Ministry, having held the position in the previous government.
• Eknath Shinde unlikely to receive the Home Ministry, which BJP aims to keep.
• Shinde is pushing for Urban Development Ministry alongside the Home portfolio, but BJP prefers the Revenue Ministry for him.
• BJP’s stance against controversial and corruption-hit leaders like Tanaji Sawant and Abdul Sattar.
• Shinde camp unhappy with BJP’s dominance in cabinet decisions.
• The cabinet formation follows intense negotiations after Maharashtra’s state assembly election on November 20.
• The BJP emerged as the largest party in the Mahayuti alliance, winning 132 seats, followed by Shinde’s Shiv Sena (57 seats) and Pawar’s NCP (41 seats).
• Official cabinet expansion expected between December 11-12, with final discussions being held.
• Prime Minister Modi attended the swearing-in ceremony of the new government in Mumbai.