Maharashtra: Eknath Shinde heads to his village in Satara; key alliance meeting postponed
PTC Web Desk: A high-level meeting involving Maharashtra's BJP-led alliance leaders Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi has intensified discussions on government formation. While Fadnavis is expected to return as Chief Minister following the alliance’s landslide victory in the Assembly elections, certain issues remain unresolved, particularly regarding ministerial portfolios.
An alliance meeting scheduled in Mumbai has reportedly been postponed, along with a Shiv Sena meeting, following Shinde’s decision to visit his hometown in Satara. His sudden departure has fueled speculation about his dissatisfaction with ongoing discussions. Despite this, Shinde has reiterated his commitment to respecting decisions made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, emphasising that he will not create hurdles in the formation of the new government.
Devendra Fadnavis, whose leadership helped the BJP secure 132 of the 230 seats won by the alliance, is poised to assume the Chief Minister's role for the fourth time. Discussions are still underway regarding ministerial allocations. The current formula of one Chief Minister with two Deputy Chief Ministers is expected to continue, although Shinde reportedly prefers not to take a deputy role. His Shiv Sena colleague Sanjay Shirsat has indicated that such a position would not be appropriate for someone who has already served as Chief Minister.
The BJP is likely to retain the Home Ministry, while Ajit Pawar’s NCP could hold on to Finance. Shinde's Shiv Sena is expected to manage Urban Development and Public Works. The BJP may take 22 cabinet berths, with 12 for the Shiv Sena and nine for the NCP. The oath-taking ceremony for the new government is tentatively scheduled for December 2.
The BJP-led Mahayuti coalition secured a commanding majority in the 288-member Assembly, with the BJP winning 132 seats, the Shiv Sena 57, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP 41.
- With inputs from agencies
