Maharashtra Leaders’ Two-Hour Meeting Leaves CM Question Unanswered

New Delhi: Intense negotiations to form Maharashtra’s new government reached a feverish pitch on Thursday night at Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s residence. Behind closed doors, the air was thick with power play as the BJP sought to muster critical support from the Shiv Sena and the NCP factions within the Maha Yuti alliance. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde made a telling declaration, voicing his readiness to align with the senior BJP leaders’ decisions and reiterating his loyalty to the coalition. Ajit Pawar’s confirmation of support from his NCP faction injected further momentum into the BJP’s pursuit of the Chief Minister’s post. But while public declarations appeared to project unity, the reality was a brutal game of give-and-take.

What Was The Essence Of These High-Level Discussions?

The essence of these high-level discussions, as the clock ticked by to midnight, was the strategic distribution of power. The BJP was poised to secure 21 ministerial portfolios, with Shinde’s Shiv Sena expected to hold around 11 and Ajit Pawar’s NCP taking roughly 10. The true contest lay in the assignment of key ministries— positions that would cement control over the government. The BJP’s aim was clear: retaining both the chief ministership and the Home Ministry, along with the formidable General Administration portfolio.

Speculation swirled that Ajit Pawar would take Finance, while Urban Development could fall in Shinde Sena’s lap. Key ministries such as Public Works and Revenue were also poised to bolster Shinde’s faction, reinforcing their strategic influence. Amid these calculations, another question loomed large: who would emerge as Deputy Chief Minister from Shinde’s camp? The BJP’s consolidation of the Chief Ministership and Home Ministry only heightened the urgency of accommodating Shinde’s faction with influential posts. The new Mahayuti cabinet also needed to balance representation for the Maratha and OBC MLAs, a delicate nod to caste dynamics that has long defined Maharashtra’s political landscape. Earlier that day, Tawde had spent 40 minutes with Shah, setting the groundwork for the night’s marathon discussions.

BJP Treads Carefully

The BJP, acutely aware of the Maratha reservation issue, had to tread carefully, mindful that Devendra Fadnavis—seen as a Brahmin and a nonMaratha—was the preferred candidate for Chief Minister’s post among many in the party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Yet appointing him over Shinde threatened to create ripples of dissent within the BJP’s base. Fadnavis and NCP leader Ajit Pawar had earlier met at the residence of NCP MP Sunil Tatkare, a move that suggested the undercurrents of alliance maneuvering.

Pawar hinted that the new Chief Minister could take the oath by November 30 or December 1 and confirmed the cabinet would feature two deputy chief ministers. Despite the outward appearance of unity, strained ties between leaders were palpable, hinted at by their decision to travel separately, unlike previous instances of collective movements. The question of who would ascend to the Chief Minister’s role loomed large after the Mahayuti alliance’s overwhelming win, with 235 out of 288 seats.

The BJP claimed 132, the Shiv Sena secured 57, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP bagged 41. Yet, reports had indicated that the RSS favored Fadnavis for the top post—a sentiment echoed by many within the BJP. This stirred discontent among Shiv Sena leaders, who felt the party had been deceived, given Shinde’s prominent role in the campaign, despite no formal announcement of his candidacy. It stirred painful echoes of the 2019 split when Uddhav Thackeray broke away after the NDA’s victory. Shinde’s public posture was one of acquiescence.

Addressing reporters in Thane, he noted discussions with PM Modi and Shah and emphasized his willingness to defer to their decision: “Shiv Sena will fully support the BJP’s decision on the next Maharashtra CM. I have told PM Modi that I would not be an obstacle, and we will go with whatever he decides.” However, Shinde’s refusal to withdraw as a CM contender left the door ajar for speculations about alternative accommodations, such as a Union Cabinet role or a Deputy Chief Minister position for his son, MP Shrikant Shinde.

The high-stakes meeting at Shah’s residence was intended to resolve these complexities and finalize portfolio allocations. The Opposition’s increasing criticism of the delay in appointing a new Chief Minister underscored the urgency. In the crucible of midnight talks, every handshake and whisper was charged with political consequence, shaping the contours of Maharashtra’s political landscape.