Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in an in-depth conversation with India Today, provided a detailed account of how the Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde was persuaded to accept the role of Deputy Chief Minister after the Mahayuti coalition’s landslide victory in the Assembly elections. Fadnavis, now serving his third term as Chief Minister, shed light on the intricate negotiations that culminated in the swearing-in ceremony, the alliance’s strategies for securing the overwhelming mandate, and the ongoing deliberations over portfolio allocations.
Fadnavis explained that Shinde had initially accepted during the Mahayuti’s first post-election meeting that the Chief Minister’s position would go to the BJP, as per the alliance’s pre-election understanding. However, some members within the Shiv Sena expressed reservations, suggesting that Shinde should remain outside the government and instead head a coordination committee to facilitate smooth functioning within the alliance. This led to a brief impasse, with Shinde himself reportedly reluctant to settle for a secondary role after having served as Chief Minister in the outgoing government.
"There were a few Shiv Sena leaders who believed that the Chief Minister’s chair should remain with their party, but we in the BJP were clear about our decision," Fadnavis stated. Leveraging his personal camaraderie with Shinde, Fadnavis initiated a one-on-one meeting at Shinde’s official residence. The 30-minute discussion, held two days before the swearing-in ceremony, was instrumental in breaking the deadlock. “Shinde eventually agreed to become Deputy Chief Minister. I have always shared a good relationship with him, which helped in reaching this understanding,” Fadnavis added.
The resolution paved the way for a high-profile swearing-in event on Thursday, where Shinde and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers alongside Fadnavis. The ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, industrial magnates, and Bollywood stars, marked the formal beginning of the new Mahayuti government. However, it followed nearly two weeks of intense discussions, fueled in part by Shinde’s earlier insistence on retaining the Chief Minister’s post—a position he had held since 2022.
Amid the celebrations, an ongoing dispute over the allocation of key portfolios, particularly the Home Ministry, has highlighted the challenges of coalition governance. Sources indicate that the Shiv Sena is adamant about securing control of the Home Ministry, a portfolio traditionally held by the BJP. Addressing these reports, Fadnavis clarified, “We have reached a consensus on almost all departments, but the Home Department has always been with the BJP. It allows for better coordination with the Union Home Ministry.” He also mentioned that Cabinet expansion and portfolio finalization would occur before December 16. Notably, Fadnavis praised Shinde for not making any specific demands regarding ministries, signaling a cooperative dynamic within the alliance.
Reflecting on the Mahayuti’s extraordinary mandate—winning 230 out of 288 seats in the Assembly—Fadnavis credited the BJP’s developmental agenda and Prime Minister Modi's “Ek hai toh safe hai” (Together, we are safe) slogan. “This message resonated strongly with voters. It was complemented by impactful schemes like Ladki Bahin Yojana, free electricity, and free education, which played a pivotal role in winning the trust of the people,” he said. These initiatives, according to Fadnavis, contributed to a 5% surge in the BJP's vote share, consolidating the party’s dominance in Maharashtra.
Fadnavis also dismissed allegations of caste-based politics influencing the election outcome. He pointed out that the BJP won 132 seats in Maratha-dominated regions, in addition to securing significant support from OBC communities. “Caste politics exists in the minds of leaders, not the people. The people of Maharashtra value work and development over divisive rhetoric. They rejected our opponents' attempts at caste-based polarization and embraced inclusive governance,” he remarked, emphasizing his belief that the state has wholeheartedly accepted his leadership.
As the Mahayuti embarks on its new term, challenges remain. Maintaining unity within the alliance, addressing the Shiv Sena’s demands for prominent portfolios, and delivering on the coalition’s electoral promises will be critical for Fadnavis and his government. The next steps, particularly the Cabinet expansion and allocation of ministries, will be closely watched as a test of the BJP’s ability to navigate Maharashtra’s complex political dynamics while ensuring stability and progress for the state.
