In a crucial development for Maharashtra’s political landscape, Union Home Minister Amit Shah met with leaders from the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance on Thursday night to finalize the power-sharing arrangement in the state. The meeting, held at Shah’s residence in Delhi, involved Maharashtra’s caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, and NCP leader Ajit Pawar. The primary focus was on finalizing Cabinet berths and the distribution of key portfolios ahead of the swearing-in of the new government, expected early next week.
Sources indicate that the BJP will hold the Chief Minister’s post, and Shah has agreed to appoint two Deputy Chief Ministers—one from the Shiv Sena and one from the NCP. BJP leaders expect the party to appoint Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister, with him likely retaining the home portfolio, while the NCP is set to receive the finance portfolio. According to BJP insiders, the Shiv Sena will secure the Urban Development and Public Works Departments.
The meeting also covered discussions on the allocation of Cabinet positions, statutory boards, and the representation of both Shiv Sena and NCP in the Union government. The BJP is expected to secure the lion’s share in the 43-member Cabinet, with 22 berths, while the Shiv Sena and NCP are set to receive 12 and 9 respectively.
In a twist, Shiv Sena leaders have hinted that Eknath Shinde may relinquish his Deputy Chief Minister post if Fadnavis becomes CM, instead favoring his son Shrikant Shinde for the role. “Knowing his nature, Shindesaheb may not take the Deputy CM’s post and prefer to give his workers good posts,” said Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Shirsat.
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