New Delhi: The formation of the new Maharashtra government, a coalition of the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, known as the Mahayuti, has been marked by behind-the-scenes power struggles. Despite the emphatic election win, tensions have surfaced regarding portfolio allocation, with Eknath Shinde, the deputy chief minister, publicly demanding the crucial Home portfolio.
While BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis assumed the chief minister’s post, Shinde’s demand for the Home Ministry, which oversees the state police, has created a buzz in political circles. This demand, according to Shiv Sena MLA Deepak Kesarkar, was likely conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Kesarkar expressed optimism that the portfolio allocation discussions would conclude within a couple of days as the talks continue on the issue.
“When Fadnavis was the deputy CM (in the previous Shinde-led government), he also held the home department. Now, Saheb has demanded the same arrangement and talks (on portfolio allocation) are in progress,” Shiv Sena MLA Bharat Gogavale was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
“The demand was probably made to Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Union Home Minister Amit Shah. We hope the talks on portfolios would be over in the next two days,” he added.
Shinde’s insistence on the Home Ministry adds complexity to the already intricate dynamics of the Mahayuti alliance. Reports suggest he was initially hesitant to accept the deputy CM position but was persuaded by party leaders.
Shinde’s leadership trajectory has been marked by a dramatic rebellion. In June 2022, he led a significant faction of the Shiv Sena in a revolt against then-Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, triggering the collapse of the MVA government. He subsequently became Chief Minister with BJP’s support, forming a government with Fadnavis as his deputy. This arrangement eventually added Ajit Pawar in July 2023, forming the current Mahayuti coalition.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis offered insight into the dynamic between the two deputy CMs in an interview with CNN-News18. He described Shinde as “emotional” and Ajit Pawar as “practical,” emphasising his ability to connect with both despite their contrasting political styles.
Fadnavis downplayed reports of any significant friction within the alliance, attributing any perceived delays in government formation to logistical complexities and emphasising Shinde’s acceptance of the BJP’s claim to the chief ministership given their larger number of MLAs.
