Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, sworn in for a third term, revealed that Eknath Shinde agreed to become his deputy after direct discussions two days before the swearing-in ceremony. Fadnavis shared details about the negotiations, Shinde’s eventual agreement, and the massive mandate received by the Mahayuti alliance in the recent elections.
Fadnavis, who was speaking to India Today, emphasized that Shinde had initially agreed in Mahayuti’s first post-election meeting that the Chief Minister would be from the BJP. However, internal discussions within the Shiv Sena led to some factions pushing for Shinde to either take charge as Chief Minister or lead a coordination committee for the alliance.
“I personally have good relations with Shinde. After a 30-minute meeting at his official residence, he eventually agreed to take on the role of Deputy Chief Minister,” Fadnavis said.
Shinde and Ajit Pawar of the NCP were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading industrialists, and Bollywood celebrities.
Tussle Over Portfolios
Fadnavis acknowledged ongoing discussions about ministerial portfolios, particularly the Home Ministry, which the Shiv Sena is keen to secure. He clarified, however, that the BJP traditionally holds the Home Ministry both at the state and central levels, citing coordination advantages. The Cabinet expansion is expected to conclude before December 16.
The Mahayuti alliance secured a landslide victory with 230 out of 288 seats. Fadnavis attributed the success to PM Modi’s “Ek Hai Toh Safe Hai” (Together, We Are Safe) slogan and welfare schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana, free electricity, and free education initiatives.
“These efforts gave us a 5 percent vote surge, and people rejected divisive politics,” Fadnavis explained.
Breaking Caste Barriers
Fadnavis dismissed allegations of caste-based politics, stating that the BJP had secured 132 seats in areas dominated by Marathas and OBCs.
“Caste is in the minds of leaders, not people. Maharashtra has accepted me based on our work,” he said, adding that the BJP’s focus on development resonated across communities.
With Mahayuti firmly in control, the alliance aims to fulfill its electoral promises and maintain unity despite occasional disagreements. The emphasis remains on development and governance, with Fadnavis expressing optimism about the state’s progress under this new leadership structure.
