Mumbai: Neelam Gorhe Elevated to Cabinet Minister Rank in Maharashtra

Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe has been granted a cabinet minister’s rank, marking a significant milestone as she becomes the first woman from the Shiv Sena to achieve this status. This appointment comes as part of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's strategy to enhance the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. Currently, the only woman minister in the MahaYuti government is Aditi Tatkare from the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Expressing her gratitude, Gorhe stated, “Women have got the post of cabinet minister earlier but I am very happy about this because I am the first woman in the Shiv Sena to get a cabinet minister’s rank.” Gorhe, who previously switched allegiance from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena to Shinde's faction, had not secured a ministerial position in the state cabinet until now. Having joined the Shiv Sena in 1998, Gorhe has been a consistent presence in the Maharashtra Legislative Council since her election in 2002. She has served as Deputy Chairperson since 2019 and has been presiding over council proceedings in the absence of a Chairman since July 2022. Despite facing challenges, including a no-confidence motion and demands for her disqualification, Gorhe has remained a prominent figure, particularly in advocating for Dalit issues. Her elevation is seen as a strategic move to strengthen women's representation in the government and to solidify the Shiv Sena's position in the political landscape of Maharashtra.