The consequences of the Maha Yuti rout in Maharashtra seem to be affecting Cabinet positions. The NCP appears to be the first NDA ally to not get a cabinet minister post despite requesting one.
Speaking to the press earlier today, Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis said, “The Nationalist Congress Party was offered one seat from the government—MoS Independent Charge. But their request was from their side… Praful Patel’s name was finalized, and he was already a minister. Therefore, he would not be able to hold the post of MoS Independent Charge.”
Fadnavis also made it clear that there were no hard feelings despite the snub, stating, “When a government is formed with an alliance, some criteria need to be decided because several sides are together. But because of one party, the criteria cannot be twisted. However, I am sure that in the future, when there is an expansion, they will be remembered… They had requested a cabinet minister post…”
A Minister of State with independent charge, what Patel was offered, is a ministerial post without an overseeing Cabinet Minister in the State or Union Government of India. He himself is in charge of his ministry, unlike a Minister of State who has an overseeing Cabinet Minister.