Lagatar24 Desk
Mumbai: Ahead of the Maharashtra Cabinet expansion, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has reportedly expressed discontent over the allocation of portfolios. Skipping a scheduled visit to New Delhi on December 11, Shinde stayed back while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar attended meetings in the capital.
Portfolios at the Heart of the Dispute
The Home Ministry, which remains a contentious issue, is likely to stay with the BJP, despite Shinde’s reported interest in the department since taking the oath as Deputy CM. The Shiv Sena faction led by Shinde is also vying for key portfolios such as Revenue, Industries, and Housing, but sources suggest resistance from the BJP and NCP.
The Cabinet expansion, scheduled for December 16, will finalize the allocation of ministries among the Mahayuti alliance partners — BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP. The government is set to have 43 ministries, including the Chief Minister’s office.
Shiv Sena’s Concerns
A Shiv Sena leader, quoted by Indian Express, accused the BJP and NCP of working together to undermine the Shiv Sena’s influence within the government. “They are systematically downsizing Shinde’s powers by denying him crucial ministries,” the leader alleged.
Reports indicate that the BJP will retain the Home Ministry while offering portfolios such as Public Works Department (PWD) and Urban Development to Shinde’s camp. Ajit Pawar is likely to continue holding the Finance Ministry.
Tensions in the Mahayuti Alliance
The BJP, as the single-largest party with 132 MLAs, is expected to secure 20 departments, leaving 10 ministries each for the Shiv Sena and NCP. However, the Shiv Sena’s dissatisfaction with the distribution has intensified tensions within the alliance.
Shinde is particularly unhappy with the NCP’s claim over the Housing Ministry, a portfolio previously held by the BJP.
Backdrop of the Mahayuti Government
Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister for the third time during a grand ceremony at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan on December 5. The event, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top leaders, also saw Shinde and Pawar take oaths as Deputy Chief Ministers.
With Cabinet negotiations ongoing, the Mahayuti government faces internal friction as it prepares for a critical phase of governance.
