Maharashtra Government Formation: Shiv Sena’s Demand for Home Portfolio Intensifies

Maharashtra Government Formation Update

Eknath Shinde expressed concerns about joining the government as Deputy Chief Minister after previously serving as Chief Minister of the Mahayuti coalition. Amit Shah reassured him, noting that even Devendra Fadnavis, a former Chief Minister, accepted a deputy role at the party’s request.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has a strong position in the assembly with 132 members and five independents, which, with support from Ajit Pawar, increases their total to 178 seats. This allows the BJP to set the agenda.

Ajit Pawar, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief, confirmed that the Chief Minister would come from the BJP and there would be two Deputy Chief Ministers—one from the NCP and one from the Shiv Sena. The Shiv Sena aims to retain its Deputy Chief Minister post and keep the home portfolio, along with all nine ministries held in the previous Shinde-led government, which includes key departments like industries and urban development.

Sanjay Shirsat of the Shiv Sena defended their demand for the home portfolio, arguing that as the BJP had the home portfolio when holding the Deputy Chief Minister position, it is fair for them to request the same. He emphasized that having a strong leader in charge of home affairs would help maintain peace.

Ajit Pawar remarked that the allocation of portfolios is at the Chief Minister’s discretion, downplaying any conflict over them. Currently, no negotiations are taking place with the BJP, and discussions regarding power-sharing are expected to occur only in a meeting among Shinde, Fadnavis, and Pawar.

Uddhav Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), criticized the situation, questioning why President’s rule had not been declared despite the assembly’s term ending.