Weeks after securing a majority in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Mahayuti alliance—comprising BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP—continues to grapple with unresolved cabinet portfolio allocations. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Thursday to seek guidance on addressing the stalemate.
This high-level meeting followed a late-night discussion between Fadnavis, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP President JP Nadda on Wednesday. However, Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde notably abstained from the Delhi trip, signaling possible dissatisfaction within the alliance.
Uneven Portfolio Distribution
Insiders suggest an agreement has been reached to allocate 22 ministerial berths to the BJP, 11 to Shiv Sena, and 10 to NCP out of the permissible 43 cabinet positions in Maharashtra. While BJP is likely to retain key portfolios such as home and revenue, Shinde’s Shiv Sena has been offered urban development, and the finance department has been assigned to Ajit Pawar’s NCP.
However, sources indicate that if Shiv Sena or NCP demands additional berths, they may receive less influential portfolios, further complicating negotiations.
Eknath Shinde’s Role
The Shiv Sena, citing Eknath Shinde’s leadership during the election campaign, initially demanded he continue as Chief Minister. However, the BJP insisted on Fadnavis for the top role, leveraging its majority with the NCP’s support. Shinde, ultimately appointed Deputy CM on December 5, publicly pledged not to obstruct government formation.
His conspicuous absence from the ongoing Delhi discussions has fueled speculation about dissent within the Shiv Sena camp. Whether Shinde will rejoin the negotiation process remains uncertain, leaving political analysts to closely monitor the developments.
The Mahayuti alliance’s ability to resolve internal disputes will be crucial in delivering stable governance to Maharashtra amidst the prolonged delay in cabinet formation.
