The formation of a new government in Maharashtra is still uncertain after a key meeting of the Mahayuti alliance was unexpectedly canceled. Caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde returned to Mumbai on Friday morning with BJP's Devendra Fadnavis and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, but soon left for his village in Satara district. This sudden turn of events has put a halt to discussions about portfolio distribution and complicated negotiations regarding the leadership of the state government.
The meeting was originally meant to finalize the power-sharing arrangement following the BJP-led coalition’s significant victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. While Shinde described his talks in Delhi with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda as "good and positive," his abrupt departure has disrupted the progress. Sources suggest that Shinde is expected back in Mumbai on Saturday, but uncertainties about the leadership persist.
Leadership Uncertainty: Who Will Lead Maharashtra?
The BJP, which won 132 seats in the Assembly elections, has yet to hold its legislature party meeting to select its chief ministerial candidate. Devendra Fadnavis is widely expected to take on the top role, given his prominence within the party and previous experience. Meanwhile, Shinde’s Shiv Sena, which secured 57 seats, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, with 41 seats, seem more focused on obtaining key cabinet positions rather than competing for the chief minister's role.
Insiders indicate that the new government may implement a power-sharing formula, likely featuring two deputy chief ministers one from the BJP and another from the alliance's main partners. Reports suggest that the BJP is preparing to offer around 20 cabinet positions, with Shiv Sena anticipated to receive a larger share than the NCP.
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Shinde’s Role: Deputy Chief Minister or Leader of Opposition?
The discussions in Delhi were critical in shaping Shinde’s role in the new government. Sources claim that BJP leaders informed Shinde that Fadnavis would take over as the chief minister. Initially hesitant to accept the deputy chief minister's position, Shinde has reportedly softened his stance, with a demand for the home portfolio as a compromise.
Shiv Sena leaders, however, are strongly advocating for Shinde to retain the chief minister’s position, citing the success of initiatives like the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme under his leadership. Shinde, for his part, has expressed deference to the party's decision-making process. “I told PM Modi not to worry about obstacles in government formation because of me. Whatever decision you make is final for BJP, and it is final for us,” Shinde said.
Speculation and Alliance Dynamics
Amid mounting speculation, Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat stated that Shinde is unlikely to accept the deputy chief minister role, asserting, “It does not befit someone who has already served as chief minister.” Shinde’s son, Shrikant Shinde, has also reiterated his father’s commitment to the Mahayuti alliance, highlighting his prioritisation of collective governance over personal ambitions.
“He is exemplifying ‘alliance dharma’ by prioritising collective governance,” Shrikant remarked, seeking to dispel rumours of discord within the coalition.
As Maharashtra awaits clarity on its new government, the dynamics between the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP continue to evolve, keeping the political landscape highly fluid.
With inputs from agencies
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