Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Issues Stern Warning To Ministers After Cabinet Reshuffle; Defends Move Amid Opposition Uproar

Following the controversial reshuffle of cabinet portfolios between Ministers Manikrao Kokate and Dutta Bharne, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis broke his silence, defending the move while issuing a stern warning to all ministers regarding discipline and public conduct.

Speaking to the media, Fadnavis said, “It is absolutely clear now if any minister behaves in an undisciplined manner, it will not be tolerated. The three of us myself, Ajit Pawar, and Eknath Shinde have conveyed this to everyone. Action will be taken in such cases.”

He further emphasized, “This is a warning to all ministers. We are here to serve the people, and how we behave, what we say, and what we do all of it is being closely watched by the public. Ministers must be mindful of their conduct.”

Public Anger Prompted Reshuffle, Says Fadnavis

On the decision to reassign portfolios, Fadnavis explained, “There was significant public anger after recent incidents. We discussed the matter myself, Ajit Pawar, and Eknath Shinde and after careful deliberation, this reshuffle was decided. Kokate's department has been changed, and Dutta Bharne has been given the Agriculture Ministry.”

When asked if further changes in the cabinet are expected, Fadnavis clarified, “As of now, there are no further discussions about any other reshuffle.”

No Talks on Munde’s Return to Cabinet
Responding to speculation about NCP leader Dhananjay Munde returning to the cabinet, Fadnavis said, “Yes, he has met me three times for various reasons, but there was no discussion about the cabinet during any of those meetings. Cabinet decisions are made at the level of Ajit Pawar, Eknath Shinde, and myself — not at Munde’s level.”

Opposition Slams Kokate's New Role as Sports Minister
The opposition has reacted sharply to the reshuffle. NCP (Sharad Pawar) MP Supriya Sule criticized the decision to give Kokate a new portfolio despite his misconduct in the Assembly.

“The person who was playing cards in the temple of democracy should have been asked to resign. But instead, the BJP government has promoted him,” she said. “On one hand, under the Khelo India programme, athletes are striving for excellence, and on the other hand, a leader dubbed 'Rummy Rao' is now the Sports Minister. This is damaging for Maharashtra.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also dismissed the reshuffle as ineffective, saying, “This is a temporary arrangement. Ministers with tainted reputations will eventually have to step down. Right now, these allies from Shiv Sena and NCP are a burden for Fadnavis.”

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government, calling it “shameless and spineless.”

“The minister was caught red-handed playing rummy during an important legislature session. Instead of sacking him, they rewarded him with the sports ministry. This is not punishment it's an honour. Maybe now they’ll propose rummy as an Olympic sport and award him the Shiv Chhatrapati Award,” Sapkal remarked sarcastically.

Kokate Says He’s Happy with Sports Portfolio

Minister Manikrao Kokate on Friday said he was happy with his new assignment as Sports and Youth Welfare Minister. “The decision taken by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister is acceptable to me. My journey will continue,” he said, speaking to reporters a day after the reshuffle.

He also expressed support for the new Agriculture Minister Dattatrey Bharne, saying, “Since this department has been entrusted to him, it will get justice. Whenever I need help, I will take Datta Bharne's support. I am not upset, I am very happy.”

Both Kokate and Bharne belong to the Nationalist Congress Party headed by Ajit Pawar.