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The names of NCP Ajit Pawar’s Aditi Tatkare, BJP MLAs Devyani Farande and Shweta Mahale are among those being discusses, say sources
The Mahayuti government’s focus on increasing the number of women ministers aligns with its larger strategy of promoting women’s leadership. (PTI File)
To acknowledge the support shown by women voters in the Maharashtra assembly elections and fulfil their promise of empowerment of women, the Mahayuti alliance, amid the deliberations on the top posts and key portfolios, is taking steps to enhance women’s representation in the cabinet.
Sources reveal that at least four women MLAs are likely to be inducted into the new cabinet. This marks a significant move from the previous Mahayuti government, where only one woman held a ministerial position.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which won 14 seats with women candidates in this election, is expected to play a leading role in increasing the number of women ministers. These MLAs have demonstrated their competence and loyalty, with many of them being re-elected from their constituencies. To ensure the best candidates are selected, the profiles of these women MLAs have reportedly been sent to Delhi for a detailed review and final approval.
Among the names being discussed is Aditi Tatkare from the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Tatkare, who previously served as the minister for women and child development, is known for her administrative experience and leadership skills. BJP MLAs Devyani Farande from Nashik Central and Shweta Mahale from Chikhli are also strong contenders for cabinet positions. Additionally, the Shinde Sena is expected to push for at least one of its women MLAs to secure a ministerial berth.
The Mahayuti government’s focus on increasing the number of women ministers aligns with its larger strategy of promoting women’s leadership. The alliance had already garnered significant support from women voters through the implementation of the Ladki Bahin scheme, which resonated strongly in rural and urban areas. The decision to induct more women leaders into the cabinet is being seen as a continuation of this effort to address women’s issues and include them in governance at the highest levels.
नुकत्याच पार पडलेल्या विधानसभा निवडणुकीत श्रीवर्धन विधानसभा मतदारसंघातील मायबाप जनतेने मला भरभरून आशीर्वाद देत पुन्हा एकदा प्रतिनिधित्व करण्याची संधी दिली.याबद्दल जनतेचे आभार व्यक्त करत असताना आज दिवेआगर येथे श्री सुवर्ण गणेश मंदिर येथे भेट देऊन मनोभावे गणरायाचे दर्शन घेतले.… pic.twitter.com/EMFGrw1L2R
— Aditi S Tatkare (@iAditiTatkare) November 28, 2024
KEY WOMEN MLAS OF THE THREE ALLIES
The BJP leads the Mahayuti alliance in terms of women representation, with 14 women MLAs elected in this term. These include experienced leaders namely Shweta Mahale, Meghna Bordikar from Jintur, Devyani Farande, and Manda Mhatre from Belapur. Other prominent names include Seema Hire from Nashik West, Vidya Thakur from Goregaon, and Manisha Chaudhary from Dahisar. New faces like Shrijaya Chavan from Bhokar and Sneha Pandit from Vasai have also brought fresh energy to the BJP’s legislative team.
The Ajit Pawar-led faction of the NCP also has strong contenders among its four elected women MLAs. Aditi Tatkare has emerged as a frontrunner, given her previous ministerial experience. Saroj Ahire from Deolali and Sana Malik from Anushaktinagar are also likely candidates. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) is banking on its two women MLAs, Manjula Gavit from Sakri and Sanjana Jadhav from Kannad, to secure a place in the cabinet.
The final decision on the cabinet composition will only be made after the chief minister is announced. However, sources suggest that the Mahayuti leadership is keen on aligning its cabinet appointments with long-term political strategies. Giving women MLAs a more prominent role not only enhances representation but also strengthens the alliance’s outreach to women voters ahead of future elections.
