Gadkari, Goyal, Athawale, Prataprao Jadhav, Raksha Khadse likely to be Union ministers; NCP yet to decide

As Narendra Modi is set to take oath as prime minister for a third consecutive term along with a few other MPs on Sunday, Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal, Prataprao Jadhav, Ramdas Athawale and Raksha Khadse—all from Maharashtra—are likely to be inducted into his cabinet.

“No name has been declared so far… Such a list is not declared in advance. But four-five MPs from Maharashtra will certainly make it to the cabinet,” BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari told The Indian Express.

From the three parties of the ruling Mahayuti, only two women have won the Lok Sabha elections. “Of the two, Raksha Khadse is being considered. She has also received a call to attend the swearing-in ceremony,” said a BJP leader. The other elected woman is Smita Wagh, also from the BJP.

From the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, two names were being discussed—Prataprao Jadhav, who has been elected for a fourth time from Buldhana, and Shrirang Barne, elected for a third time from Maval.

However, Barner said, “I have not received any call. I think Prataprao Jadhav will make it to the central cabinet. I might get a chance in the second cabinet expansion.”

The Shiv Sena had also pushed the name of Shrikant Shinde, son of the chief minister. “Our party workers and leaders have suggested that the chief minister recommend Shrikant Shinde for inclusion in the Modi cabinet,” said party spokesperson Naresh Mhaske.

Prataprao Jadhav said, “We all had suggested to CM Shindeji that the Sena should nominate Shrikant Shindeji for a ministerial position, but Shrikantji refused citing that he wished to work for the organisation. CM Shinde said that a common Shiv Sainik should get an opportunity and justice. I thank him for nominating me for this position.”

Jadhav has