Speculations Continue on Fadnavis Joining Modi Cabinet

Talks have intensified about Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis joining the central government. BJP leader Pankaja Munde said that no such decision can be made without the approval of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh or Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking to reporters at Kolhapur airport, Pankaja Munde said that Fadnavis is an influential and academically strong leader. She said, "I can only pray that he moves beyond his current position. However, right now he is needed where he is."

This statement came in response to Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut's claim that Prime Minister Modi wants to include Fadnavis in the central cabinet. Raut claimed that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is supporting a major change in the country's politics and plans to call Fadnavis to Delhi for the post of Deputy Prime Minister.

Sanjay Raut said, "History is witness that no former Home Minister has ever become Prime Minister." He also said that the 'saffron family' is preparing to make a prominent leader from outside Delhi Modi's political successor, and Fadnavis is at the forefront.

Pankaja Munde also spoke about the ongoing fast by Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange. She said the government has formed a committee of ministers headed by Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil to negotiate with Jarange.

Jarange demands that caste certificates be issued to Marathas whose Kunbi records have been found and that the provisions present in the Kolhapur, Satara, and Mumbai gazetteers be implemented to recognize Marathas as Kunbi.

Pankaja Munde held a review meeting with officials, discussing measures to tackle pollution in the Panchganga river.

The Maharashtra government is making efforts to fulfill these demands within the constitutional framework.

According to sources, several senior ministers of the ruling party have given an ultimatum to the leadership regarding a possible reshuffle in the cabinet.