Mumbai: The ongoing turmoil over government formation in Maharashtra have hit a temporary pause, with a key alliance meeting in Mumbai and a Shiv Sena meeting led by outgoing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde both reportedly cancelled. Shinde’s sudden decision to head to his village in Satara has fueled speculation about his dissatisfaction with the ongoing negotiations.
Eknath Shinde’s recent statements signalled a readiness to step aside for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to take the lead. His announcement that he would not obstruct the government formation paved the way for Devendra Fadnavis to return as Chief Minister for a third term, following the BJP’s record-breaking performance in the state elections. Reports indicate that Fadnavis’s ascension is nearly confirmed, pending a final sign-off from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Shinde described his discussions with Shah as ‘good and positive,’ emphasizing that he would respect the decisions made by Modi and Shah. He assured reporters that another meeting of the Mahayuti alliance in Mumbai would finalise the leadership structure once he returns from Satara. While there is consensus on the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister positions, the distribution of key ministries remains a sticking point.
The alliance is expected to maintain the current power-sharing model of one Chief Minister and two Deputy Chief Ministers. However, Shinde is reportedly reluctant to accept a deputy role. Sanjay Shirsat, a Shiv Sena MLA and spokesperson, remarked that it would not be fitting for Shinde, given his previous tenure as Chief Minister.
BJP To Secure Maximum Portfolios
In terms of portfolio allocation, a report by NDTV suggested that the BJP will retain the influential Home Ministry, while Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is likely to keep the Finance portfolio. Shinde’s Shiv Sena is expected to secure the Urban Development and Public Works departments. The BJP is set to take 22 Cabinet berths, with the Shiv Sena and NCP receiving 12 and 10 portfolios, respectively.
The swearing-in ceremony is tentatively scheduled for December 2. The Mahayuti alliance’s resounding victory in the recent assembly elections saw the BJP securing 132 of the 288 seats, while the Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP won 57 and 41 seats, respectively.
