Maharashtra News: After reaching a preliminary consensus on the distribution of ministerial positions and key portfolios, the ruling coalition in Maharashtra, comprised of three parties, has turned to central BJP leaders for assistance in addressing lingering disputes. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis embarked on a two-day trip to Delhi on Wednesday, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, while Eknath Shinde, another key figure in the coalition, opted to remain behind due to dissatisfaction with the negotiations.The coalition has tentatively allocated 22 ministerial berths to the BJP, 11 to the Shiv Sena, and 10 to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). However, the final composition of the cabinet remains uncertain as discussions continue over specific departments. The maximum allowable size for Maharashtras ministerial council is 43, including the chief minister.Potential Shifts in Ministerial AllocationsThe distribution of ministerial berths is still subject to change. According to insiders within the BJP, if the Shiv Sena and NCP insist on acquiring additional positions, they may have to accept less influential portfolios in return. The BJP is expected to retain critical departments such as Home and Revenue, while Shinde has been assigned the Urban Development portfolio instead of his preferred Home department.The finance portfolio will be allocated to the NCP.Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar are scheduled to meet with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President J.P. Nadda either Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. Notably absent from this crucial meeting is Shinde, who reportedly felt slighted by the lack of significant portfolio offers beyond Urban Development. His aspirations included several key departments such as Revenue and Public Works, but these were dismissed by the BJP.Shindes Discontent and Its ImplicationsShindes aides have expressed his frustration with how he has been treated throughout these negotiations. He feels he has not been given his due share in power despite his significant contribution to the Mahayutis victory, one aide remarked. Consequently, Shinde chose to remain at his residence in Thane rather than travel to Delhi for discussions.Cabinet Expansion on the Horizon Amidst Ongoing DisputesLeaders from Mahayuti are actively working to resolve departmental disputes ahead of the anticipated cabinet expansion. Following their meeting in Delhi, Fadnavis and Ajit are expected to convene with Shinde in Mumbai on Thursday to finalize names for swearing-in on Saturday. A BJP leader indicated that resolving these disputes is crucial for expanding the cabinet before the winter session begins in Nagpur on December 16.While agreements have been reached regarding three contentious departments—Home, Urban Development, and Finance—there may still be exchanges between parties concerning other portfolios in due course. The BJP aims to retain Housing and Water Resources while discussions regarding Agriculture are ongoing with the NCP.Shiv Senas Position and Future ProspectsUday Samant, a senior leader from Shiv Sena, stated that Shinde has been entrusted with making decisions regarding power-sharing within the party. He had a very detailed meeting with Devendra Fadnavis on Monday night, Samant noted positively about ongoing discussions.The Shiv Sena is advocating for 13 berths, anticipating at least 12, which would leave 9 for the NCP. However, if both parties continue pushing for more positions, they risk being offered less significant roles by the BJP.Another BJP leader suggested that while cabinet expansion could occur as early as December 14, it is uncertain whether all positions will be filled at once. Ideally, over 30 ministers would be inducted however, due to current tensions, only 15 or 18 ministers might be sworn in initially.The Clash Between Key Coalition PartnersAn NCP leader indicated that the primary contention lies between the BJP and Shiv Sena regarding portfolio allocations. Our party has agreed to the berths offered, he confirmed, indicating a level of readiness from their side.Fadnavis remains committed to including as many legislators as possible from all three parties in light of the upcoming winter session. Following his return from Delhi, he plans to hold a thanksgiving rally in Nagpur on Friday. A source within the BJP emphasized that Saturday represents a crucial deadline for swearing-in failure to do so could lead to further delays until after December 21.Maharashtras political landscape remains fraught with tension as party leaders navigate complex negotiations over cabinet formation amidst demands for key portfolios and internal disagreements within their ranks.
