Mumbai, June 16 (TIWN) Former Congressman and Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil on Sunday joined the cabinet of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Vikhe-Patil, who joined as a Minister, was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor C.V. Rao at a function in Raj Bhavan.  Also inducted was a long-time contender, Mumbai Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Ashish Shelar.  With this, Fadnavis has consolidated the BJP's position before the upcoming Assembly elections.  Over a dozen ministers are expected to take the oath on Sunday from various parties of the ruling alliance including BJP, Shiv Sena, Republican Party of India (A).