NEW DELHI: Key Mahayuti leaders Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar met Union Home Minister Amit Shah late Thursday to discuss the formation of the next Maharashtra government. The meeting comes as the BJP strategizes to finalize power-sharing arrangements within the alliance, which secured a majority in the recent state elections.
Sources indicate that the BJP is keen on reinstating Devendra Fadnavis as the Chief Minister, emphasizing the need to “right the wrong” when he was made deputy CM in the previous government. The party also aims to retain Eknath Shinde in a key role, potentially as a deputy CM, to project unity within the coalition.
Shinde’s Role: Uncertainty Persists
While Eknath Shinde has publicly stated his willingness to abide by the decisions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, there is ongoing speculation about whether he will accept the deputy CM position.
Some Shiv Sena leaders, including MLA Sanjay Shirsat, believe Shinde might opt to focus on Maharashtra politics and decline the post. “This is my assessment. He may take one portfolio and remain here, but I think he may not take up the deputy CM’s post,” Shirsat said.
Party insiders argue that Shinde’s inclusion in the cabinet as deputy CM could strengthen BJP’s position and reduce reliance on Ajit Pawar. However, Shinde’s camp reportedly seeks clarity on his future influence within the coalition.
Power-Sharing Dynamics
The BJP’s decisive win in the polls, with 132 seats in the 288-member Assembly and support from five additional MLAs, positions it as the dominant force in the alliance. This has fueled expectations for a BJP-led government, with Ajit Pawar openly supporting Fadnavis for the CM role.
Despite discussions around having two Maratha leaders as deputy CMs—Shinde and Pawar—sources dismissed voter concerns, citing the outgoing administration where the same arrangement existed.
Statements from Leaders
Reaffirming his stance, Eknath Shinde commented, “There are no obstacles regarding the CM post of Mahayuti. This ‘ladla bhai’ has arrived in Delhi, and this designation is higher than anything else for me.” His remarks reflect a cooperative stance, but his colleagues’ speculations suggest lingering uncertainty.
Next Steps
As power-sharing negotiations continue, the BJP remains focused on ensuring stability and unity within the Mahayuti. The final cabinet composition and Shinde’s role are expected to be announced soon.
With the BJP’s numerical strength and clear agreement on seat-sharing ahead of the elections, the alliance is poised to form a government, signaling a new chapter in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
