Real Estate Maharashtra
Maharashtra Cabinet Rejig on Cards to Fill Ajit Pawar's Slot
2026-01-29 · Geosquare
Pune: A Maharashtra cabinet rejig is on the cards following the tragic demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. The political landscape is now in flux as the search begins for a suitable replacement to fill the shoes of Ajit, who held multiple portfolios and was set to present the state budget for a record 12th time.
One name that has been floating around is that of Dilip Walse Patil. However, it might be a challenge for him to handle the myriad portfolios that Ajit managed. NCP sources have expressed concerns about the feasibility of this option. Speculation is also rife that the likely merger of the two NCP factions could bring Jayant Patil, a senior politician from the NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar, into contention.
Jayant Patil, a contemporary of Ajit, has been the state finance minister several times. He has claimed that it was Ajit who was keen on the NCP reunion and had discussed the idea with him. According to Jayant, the decisive step was to be taken after the zilla parishad and panchayat samiti polls on February 5. An NCP (SP) office-bearer stated, 'Sharad Pawar's loyalists like Jayant Patil and Rohit Pawar could get cabinet berths.'
Apart from finance, Ajit Pawar also handled excise, sports, and minority development. In the interim, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is likely to take over the finance portfolio and present the budget. This move is seen as a temporary solution until a more permanent replacement is found.
The reshuffle is expected to have significant implications for the state's political dynamics. The NCP, already facing internal divisions, will need to navigate this transition carefully to maintain stability and ensure the smooth functioning of the government. The coming days will be crucial as the party leadership evaluates the options and makes the necessary decisions.
The tragedy of Ajit Pawar's death has left a void in the political landscape of Maharashtra, and the cabinet rejig is a testament to the ongoing efforts to fill this gap. The state's political stakeholders are closely watching these developments, as the outcome will have far-reaching consequences for the governance and administration of Maharashtra.