Maharashtra: Mahayuti Ministers To Take Oath Within A Week, Says NCP's Chhagan Bhujbal

Nationalist Congress Party leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Thursday said ministers from the Mahayuti allies in Maharashtra will take oath in a week's time.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Bhujbal also stated that NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who is set to take oath as deputy chief minister for the sixth time on Thursday evening, has a strong understanding of the finance department. Notably, Pawar previously served as deputy CM and held the finance portfolio in the outgoing government.

BJP legislature party leader Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn-in as the new chief minister of Maharashtra at a grand ceremony in Mumbai to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Fadnavis would be taking oath along with two deputy chief ministers, BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar told reporters earlier in the day.

Bhujbal said after the swearing-in of the chief minister and two deputy CMs, they will sit together and discuss the cabinet formation.

"The cabinet formation modalities will be discussed by the three leaders and the ministry will be formed in a week's time," said Bhujbal, who served as a minister in the outgoing government.

Together with allies Shiv Sena and NCP, the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition has a commanding majority of 230 seats in the 288-member state assembly.

Ajit Pawar managed to best his uncle and NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar in the election, winning more seats than the rival faction.

(With inputs from PTI)

Follow live updates of Maharashtra CM oath ceremony here.