Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Thursday that he held discussions on cabinet expansion with union home minister Amit Shah, party national president J P Nadda, and the party national general secretary B L Santhosh on Wednesday night.
Fadnavis was on a two-day visit to Delhi days after being sworn in as chief minister. He met President Draupudi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi, defence minister Rajnath Singh and union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari. He also presented five different idols to the politicians representing the state’s culture.
Speaking to the media in Delhi, Fadnavis said he and party state unit president Chandrashekhar Bawankule met the party politicians. “We have drawn up a list of probables from the BJP from every division who could be ministers. The party leadership will take a decision and let us know,” said Fadnavis.
On Dy CM Eknath Shinde not joining him and Dy CM Ajit Pawar on the Delhi trip and whether there are issues with regard to portfolios, Fadnavis said, “There is no problem with regard to cabinet expansion. Ajitdada has come for his work, I have come for mine, and since Shinde did not have any immediate work, therefore, he has not come. In the case of the BJP, we have a parliamentary board, and our leaders will decide on the ministers. Shinde will decide who will be minister for his party and, similarly, Ajitdada will decide for his party,” he said, adding that the formula for portfolio distribution between the allies has been decided.
On the violence in Parbhani after a person with mental health issues vandalised a replica of the Constitution, Fadnavis said it must be condemned. “After the person, who has mental health issues, was arrested, it was unfortunate to indulge in arson and violence. Now there is peace, and our efforts will be to maintain peace,” he said.
At an economic conclave in New Delhi, Fadnavis said the 103 farmers in Latur who received a notice from the Waqf Board informing them that the land in their possession belonged to the board, Fadnavis said the govt will grant them protection through due process.
He criticised the Waqf Board Bill framed by the Congress, stating it tramples on the basic right to own property. “It is our right to keep our property, and to not provide a provision to approach the court is anti-constitutional. One has to file a writ. This is why I am waiting to see when Parliament will pass the Waqf Board Amendment Bill. I am not saying the Waqf Board must end, but if any religious institution wants to keep its land, there should be a law; but where they keep their finger, that cannot become their land,” he said.
