The Shiv Sena has expressed dissatisfaction with the allocation of ministerial positions in the newly formed National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This reaction follows closely on the heels of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Ajit Pawar, voicing similar discontent regarding their representation in the Cabinet.Shrirang Barne, the chief whip of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, voiced the partys frustration at not being granted any Cabinet-level positions. We were expecting a Cabinet berth, Barne stated, emphasizing the discrepancy between the Shiv Senas parliamentary strength and their ministerial representation compared to other NDA allies. Chirag Paswans party, with five MPs, Jitan Ram Manjhi with one, and the JD(S) with two MPs, each received a Cabinet post. Despite having seven Lok Sabha seats, Shiv Sena was only given one Minister of State (MoS) post with independent charge. Shiv Sena is an old ally of BJP and should have received a Cabinet post at least for that, Barne elaborated.NCPs Similar DiscontentThe NCP also demanded a Cabinet position, expressing their displeasure with the Minister of State offer just before the swearing-in ceremony on June 9. Party chief Ajit Pawar and Rajya Sabha MP Praful Patel referred to the offer as a demotion. Praful Patel, having served as a Cabinet minister in the central government, didnt feel it was appropriate to accept the position of Minister of State with independent charge. So we told them [BJP] that we are ready to wait for a few days, but we want a Cabinet post. We are going to attend the swearing-in ceremony today, Ajit Pawar stated prior to the event.Electoral Performance and RepresentationIn the recent Lok Sabha elections, the Shiv Sena won 7 out of the 15 seats it contested in Maharashtra. Ajit Pawars NCP secured one of the four seats it contested out of the states total 48 seats. The BJP emerged with nine seats in Maharashtra.The absence of Cabinet-level representation for these long-standing allies has stirred notable discontent within the Shiv Sena and the NCP, highlighting the complexities and internal dynamics within the NDA coalition as the new government takes shape.
