Mumbai: Eknath Shinde could become the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra in the new government and may retain either the Urban Development or Public Works Department (PWD). Within his party’s quota, Shinde is expected to demand several key ministries, including Revenue, Agriculture, Health, Rural Development, Industry and Social Justice.
Apart from his state-level ambitions, Shinde and his senior ministers are also pushing for one cabinet minister and one minister of state position at the centre. There are indications that Shrikant Shinde, the leader’s son, may be given a place in the central cabinet following an expansion. Other than that, Shinde is likely to appoint other Shiv Sena leaders to ministerial roles.
Shinde’s power play
Shinde’s strategy to secure the Deputy Chief Minister position and crucial departments is seen as an effort to solidify his party’s influence in Maharashtra. The move is expected to strengthen the Shiv Sena’s position as it prepares for upcoming municipal elections in early 2025, including those in major cities like Mumbai, Thane, Pune and Aurangabad.
Being in power will also allow Shinde to maintain control over his party’s ministers and MLAs, an ensure that they receive adequate funding. His leadership in the government is expected to give Shiv Sena greater leverage, with Shinde positioning himself as a key player in discussions with BJP and NCP leaders.
Ajit Pawar’s faction demands key ministries
Ajit Pawar, leader of the NCP faction, is likely to demand the Finance Ministry alongside the Deputy Chief Minister role. However, the BJP is expected to strongly negotiate over the finance portfolio, seeking to retain control of this critical ministry. Pawar is also pushing to keep several other key departments, including Agriculture, Food Supply, FDA, Women and Child Welfare and Medical Education, under NCP’s control.
The BJP, for its part, aims to retain ministries such as Home, Skill Development, Urban Development, Finance, General Administration, Energy and Irrigation within its quota.
Meetings set to finalise govt formation
A meeting is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon in Delhi, where Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar will meet with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss government formation and the allocation of portfolios. The final decisions regarding ministerial positions are expected to be clear by late evening.
The parties are also expected to discuss a formula for allocating ministerial positions, with one post being considered for every six MLAs. Leaders of all three parties—BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP—are likely to push for more ministerial positions for their respective factions.
Ministerial positions breakdown:
- BJP: 21-22 positions
- Shinde’s Shiv Sena: 10-12 positions
- Ajit Pawar’s NCP: 8-9 positions
The total number of ministers, including the chief minister, will not exceed 43 in the new Maharashtra government.
