Maharashtra Cabinet Set For Performance Audit As 1st Anniversary Nears

Mumbai: As the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government approaches its first anniversary, the Prime Minister has reportedly decided to conduct a performance audit on the cabinet and junior ministers. Senior sources within the administration said the Maharashtra cabinet will undergo a comprehensive review in the coming months. In the audit, ministers will be evaluated on various key parameters, including ministerial performance, implementation of major plans, public administration and outreach efforts. Sources stated that underperforming ministers may be asked to leave their posts.

Following the recent reshuffle in the Bhupendra Patel-led government in Gujarat, speculations regarding a cabinet reshuffle in Maharashtra are gaining momentum. Although CM Fadnavis is yet to complete a year in office – he was sworn in on December 5, 2024 and will celebrate his first anniversary in December 2025 – all ministers in the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP are expected to face a performance review by the end of this year.

Although Mr Fadnavis has indicated his intention to conduct a “performance audit” on his cabinet colleagues, any action will require approval from his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. Ministers from relevant parties were reportedly causing difficulties to the Mahayuti government through their public behavior and statements.

In an informal chat with journalists during the Diwali festival, Mr. Fadnavis was asked whether the Gujarat model would be copied in Maharashtra. He said that the change in Gujarat took place after 2.5 years and that he had not yet completed one year in office. However, he confirmed that ministers’ performance would be reviewed. “There will be no immediate change in the Cabinet. Any decision regarding reshuffle will be taken only after reviewing the performance of all ministers,” Mr. Fadnavis said.

When contacted, Shiv Sena chief spokesperson Dr. Raju Waghmare welcomed the idea and said it would increase accountability. Dr. “However, our ministers in the Mahayuti government are performing well, which is reflected in the blessings we received from the public in the last Assembly elections,” Waghmare added.

Given that nearly half a dozen ministers in the Mahayuti government have been embroiled in controversies over abuses in the last 10 months, Mr Fadnavis is expected to initiate medium-term corrective measures to repair the government’s image. The coalition includes former minister Dhananjay Munde and cabinet ministers Adv. Manikrao Kokate, Sanjay Shirsat, Sanjay Rathod, Dadaji Bhuse and home minister Yogesh Kadam.

While Mr. Kadam is accused of participating in illegal sand mining activities and running dance bars registered in his mother’s name, Mr. Rathod and Mr. Bhuse face allegations of irregularities in recruitment and transfer processes influenced by personal interests. Mr. Kokate was embroiled in controversy after a video emerged showing him playing an online rummy game during the monsoon session of the state legislature. He later received a harsh rebuke from the Chief Minister, comparing the state government to a beggar.

A senior Mahayuti minister, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the cabinet reshuffle would follow a comprehensive evaluation of ministers’ performance after completing two and a half years in office. The Minister said, “It will take at least 2.5 years before the change. The performance of the ministers will be reviewed after the winter session. Those who perform poorly will be given the opportunity to improve. A new review will be held before the government completes its two and a half years. If the performance of a minister is inadequate, they will be shown the exit door.”