Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde | File Image
Former chief minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde took oath as the depury chief minister of Maharashtra on Thursday, putting an end to the suspense surrounding his role in the new state government. Following the landslide victory of the Mahayuti alliance in the state assembly elections, Shinde had aspired to become the chief minister for a second time.
He had multiple meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to convince him, but the latter refused to make a commitment, leaving Shinde disappointed. It was being speculated that Shinde might not join the cabinet as deputy chiel minister. He was also keen on getting the home ministry, which was held by Devendra Fadnavis during the previous Mahayuti alliance government.
However, there was no assurance from Amit Shah even on this score. As a result, whether Shinde would accept the position of deputy chief minister was unclear until 3pm on Thursday. Ultimately, Shiv Sena leaders, including Uday Samant, met with the governor and submitted a letter from Shinde, confirming his willingness be sworn in as deputy chief minister.
Additionally, Shinde’s insistence on securing the home ministry portfolio remained a topic of discussion on Thursday. Would the BJP leadership agree to give such an important portfolio to Shinde? The negotiations continued until just hours before the swearing-in ceremony. For the past four days, the BJP leadership and Shiv Sena MLAs worked to convince Shinde to accept the deputy CM position and join the government.
On Thursday afternoon, a statement was issued, indicating that if Shinde did not accept the deputy CM post, no Shiv Sena MLA would join the cabinet. This heightened the uncertainty over Shinde’s involvement in the government. Later, Samant announced that Shinde was prepared to be deputy CM. According to sources, the confusion was not about the deputy CM’s post but about key portfolios.
Shinde had initially agreed that someone from the Shiv Sena would take oath as deputy CM, but he had not confirmed whether he would do so himself. The major portfolios under discussion included that of the deputy CM and the home ministry. Internal BJP sources revealed that Shinde had been told that if he wanted the home ministry, he would have to give up the urban development ministry, which would then go to the CM; it was up to Shinde to decide.
Discussions about portfolio allocation were expected to continue, but Shinde was advised to take the oath as deputy CM alongside Ajit Pawar and postpone discussions on portfolios until after the government was formed. Even within the Shiv Sena, he was being persuaded to accept the position. A day before the swearing-in, several leaders, office-bearers, and MLAs from Shiv Sena met Shinde and urged him to take on the role of deputy CM. Later, Shinde held a meeting with leaders and further discussed the matter.
According to reports, the MLAs also appealed to him to join the government. One Shiv Sena leader said, “We told him that his participation in the government would benefit the party. If he stayed out, Shiv Sena MLAs might be sidelined, and his influence in the government could be diminished.” Devendra Fadnavis also met with Shinde.
On ‘Wednesday, Fadnavis told the media that he had met Shinde. “I met him yesterday at his residence and told him that all party leaders believe his involvement in the government is crucial. Then we will receive a positive response from him,” Fadnavis said. After these intense rounds of deliberations, Shinde decided to take oath as deputy CM.
