The Indian National Congress politician Vilasrao Deshmukh formed his first government after the 1999 Maharashtra Legislative Assembly election.

[1][2] Deshmukh was sworn in on 18 October 1999[1] and continued as Chief Minister until his resignation on 16 January 2003.

[2] The Communist Party of India (Marxist) supported the government from outside.

However, coalition partner NCP was concerned with the large size of the cabinet.

[2] The cabinet consisted of 55 members - Deshmukh, his Deputy Chhagan Bhujbal, 24 cabinet ministers, and 29 ministers of state.