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The formation of the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra is proving to be a complex affair, even days after the alliance secured a resounding victory in the Assembly elections. The BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) are locked in negotiations over the distribution of key ministerial portfolios, creating a power struggle that is delaying the official announcement of the new cabinet. While Devendra Fadnavis is slated to become the Chief Minister and Eknath Shinde the Deputy Chief Minister, the allocation of ministerial responsibilities is the main sticking point, highlighting the internal dynamics and ambitions within the coalition.
Eknath Shinde, having recently resigned as Chief Minister, is aggressively pursuing key portfolios for his faction of the Shiv Sena. His demands include retaining crucial ministries such as Urban Development and the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). Beyond these, he is also aiming for significant control over sectors like revenue, agriculture, health, rural development, industry, and social justice. His ambition extends beyond the state level, with a reported push for a cabinet position and a Minister of State role at the central government level. This strategic maneuvering reflects the Shinde faction's desire to consolidate its power and influence within the state, ensuring access to resources and preventing potential marginalization of its MLAs.
Ajit Pawar's NCP faction is also engaging in aggressive negotiations. His primary goal appears to be securing the Finance department, alongside the Deputy Chief Minister's post, a position currently seemingly earmarked for Eknath Shinde. This suggests a potential conflict between the ambition of different alliance members. The BJP's desire to maintain control over this strategically important department could present a major obstacle. Beyond finance, Pawar is also reportedly lobbying for other key departments including Agriculture, Food and Civil Supply, Women and Child Welfare, Medical Education, Sports, Rural Development, and Cooperation, reflecting the importance of these sectors for a strong political base.
The BJP, as the largest party in the coalition, is aiming to retain control over a significant number of key ministries. Their targeted portfolios include crucial departments such as Home, Housing, Urban Development, Finance, Irrigation, Energy, Public Works, Environment and Tourism, Parliamentary Affairs, Skill Development, and General Administration. This reflects their ambition to maintain a strong grip on governance and policy-making. The sheer number of ministries desired by the BJP underscores their dominant position within the coalition and their determination to retain central control over the state's administration.
The power-sharing formula under consideration is reportedly based on a ratio of one portfolio for every six MLAs. This formula, if adopted, would translate to roughly 21-22 ministries for the BJP, 10-12 for the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and 8-9 for the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). This distribution reflects the relative strength of each party within the alliance. However, the actual distribution will depend heavily on the ongoing negotiations and the willingness of each party to compromise, potentially resulting in significant alterations to this proposed formula. The total number of ministerial positions, including the Chief Minister's position, is limited to a maximum of 43, creating a fiercely competitive environment for the allocation of ministerial posts.
The current situation highlights the complexities of coalition politics in India. While the Mahayuti alliance achieved a comfortable majority in the elections, the subsequent negotiations demonstrate the inherent challenges in balancing the power dynamics and ambitions of different political entities within a coalition government. The final outcome of these negotiations will significantly shape the future direction of governance in Maharashtra, influencing policy decisions and the distribution of resources across various sectors. The delay in forming the new cabinet is already leading to speculation about the stability of the government and its ability to address pressing issues facing the state. The coming days will be crucial in determining the final composition of the cabinet and settling the power dynamics that have defined the initial stages of the Mahayuti government's formation.
Source: Who's eyeing what as Mahayuti government takes shape in Maharashtra