In a major political development in Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde has made a surprising decision to accept the role of Deputy Chief Minister in the upcoming Mahayuti government. This decision comes after prolonged negotiations and political maneuvering within the coalition, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP. Shinde's agreement to step down from the Chief Minister position, which he held for two years, signals a significant shift in the political equilibrium of the state. Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP is set to return as Chief Minister, with Shinde and NCP leader Ajit Pawar expected to be sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers in a high-profile ceremony in Mumbai on December 5.
The allocation of cabinet portfolios among the Mahayuti partners has been a subject of intense discussion. Sources suggest the BJP will secure 21-22 ministries, retaining influential portfolios such as Home and Revenue, alongside positions like Speaker and Legislative Council Chairman. The Shiv Sena, initially requesting 16 ministries, is likely to receive 12, including the Urban Development portfolio, while continuing to hold the Deputy Chairman post and pushing for the Legislative Council Chairman role. The NCP is expected to receive 9-10 ministries, including Finance, and the Deputy Speaker position, reflecting its influential role in the coalition.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat has assured that the coalition is functioning cohesively, dismissing rumors of discord. He emphasized that recent discussions between Shinde, Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar have resolved outstanding issues and that the swearing-in ceremony will proceed as scheduled. While speculation about Shinde's reluctance to accept a deputy role made headlines, Shirsat clarified that all concerns have been addressed, ensuring unity within the alliance.
Shinde’s health briefly raised concerns after he underwent medical tests for a throat infection and fever at a hospital in Thane. Upon his return to Mumbai, he assured reporters that he is in good health and ready to lead discussions on the finalization of cabinet portfolios. Shinde is also expected to oversee preparations for the oath-taking ceremony, which will be held at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan. The event is expected to draw significant national attention, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other prominent leaders likely to attend.
The BJP Legislative Party is scheduled to meet on Wednesday morning to formally elect its legislature party leader. A formal announcement of Devendra Fadnavis as the chief ministerial candidate is anticipated soon after. The intricate power-sharing agreement, finalized amid hectic parleys over the weekend, underscores the delicate balancing act required to manage the ambitions and interests of the three coalition partners.
Shinde’s sudden departure to Satara last week during critical power-sharing discussions with the BJP leadership in Delhi added an element of uncertainty to the negotiations. His absence disrupted a key Mahayuti meeting, but his return to Mumbai renewed momentum toward government formation. Meanwhile, NCP leader Ajit Pawar’s trip to Delhi on Monday further fueled speculation about the finalization of the coalition’s power structure.
The forthcoming swearing-in ceremony marks a turning point for the Mahayuti alliance as it transitions from negotiation to governance. With Fadnavis at the helm and Shinde and Pawar in pivotal roles, the coalition seeks to project unity and stability while addressing the challenges of managing diverse political interests. The distribution of key portfolios and the collaborative dynamic among the partners will be critical in determining the government's effectiveness in steering Maharashtra forward.
