The formation of Maharashtra’s new government faces fresh delays after caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde left for his hometown in Satara, postponing a key Mahayuti alliance meeting originally planned for Friday. This move comes amid uncertainty over power-sharing dynamics within the BJP-led coalition following their landslide victory in the recent assembly elections.
Shinde, along with BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and NCP’s Ajit Pawar, returned from Delhi early Friday after high-level discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda. While the talks reportedly centered on the distribution of key portfolios, Shinde’s sudden departure has further prolonged the suspense over the Chief Ministerial post.
Delhi Meeting Insights
Sources suggest that BJP’s central leadership has conveyed its preference for Devendra Fadnavis to take over as Chief Minister, leaving Shinde to negotiate for the Deputy Chief Minister position and a key portfolio like Home. Though Shinde initially resisted, he is believed to have softened his stance while advocating for a fair share of cabinet berths for Shiv Sena.
The BJP, with 132 seats, appears poised to dominate the government. However, Mahayuti allies—the Shiv Sena (57 seats) and NCP (41 seats)—are lobbying for prominent cabinet roles, including two deputy CM positions to ensure representation for all major alliance partners.
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Shiv Sena leaders, meanwhile, are urging Shinde to retain the top post, highlighting his governance track record and popular initiatives like the Ladki Bahin scheme. Party spokesperson Sanjay Shirsat has stated that serving as deputy to Fadnavis “does not befit a leader of Shinde’s stature.”
Uncertainty Around Shinde’s Next Move
Shinde himself has reiterated his commitment to the Mahayuti alliance, stating, “I will abide by the decisions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.” His son, Shrikant Shinde, has emphasized that Shinde’s actions demonstrate adherence to the “alliance dharma” by prioritizing collective governance over personal ambition.
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The alliance’s next steps will depend on Shinde’s return to Mumbai, expected on Saturday, and further discussions to resolve the stalemate. The BJP has yet to convene its legislature party meeting to finalize leadership, though Fadnavis remains the frontrunner for the Chief Minister’s post.
With the Mahayuti alliance under pressure to deliver on its electoral mandate, resolving leadership disputes swiftly is crucial to ensuring a stable government.
