Despite a decisive victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Mahayuti alliance—comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction—finds itself embroiled in a complex tussle over power-sharing. While the BJP secured its highest-ever tally with 132 of the 288 seats, Shiv Sena and NCP contributed 57 and 41 seats, respectively, to the alliance's overwhelming total of 230. However, the euphoria of electoral success has been overshadowed by disagreements on cabinet portfolios and leadership roles, with critical decisions yet to be finalized.
The selection of the Chief Minister has been at the center of the deadlock. While Devendra Fadnavis is widely tipped to return as Chief Minister, sources suggest that Eknath Shinde, the outgoing caretaker Chief Minister, will take the position of Deputy Chief Minister. Shinde, however, is negotiating for pivotal portfolios to retain his party's influence in state governance. He is particularly keen on holding on to the Urban Development and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) ministries, both considered crucial for infrastructure development and urban planning. Additionally, he is seeking control of departments such as Revenue, Agriculture, Health, Rural Development, Industry, and Social Justice, all of which have significant bearing on the state’s socio-economic landscape.
Shinde's demands extend beyond the state level. He is reportedly pushing for his faction to be allocated a Cabinet position and a Minister of State role in the central government. Senior Shiv Sena leaders argue that Shinde's presence in the state cabinet is vital for ensuring resources and representation for the party’s MLAs, many of whom rely on government funding and influence for constituency development. They warn that a lack of adequate representation could weaken the Shiv Sena’s standing within the coalition and among its voter base.
Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar, leading the NCP faction, is lobbying aggressively for the Finance portfolio along with the Deputy Chief Minister’s position. Finance is seen as a powerhouse ministry that enables control over budgetary allocations and economic policy, making it a prized portfolio. Pawar is also eyeing other influential departments, including Agriculture, Food and Civil Supply, Women and Child Welfare, Medical Education, Sports, Rural Development, and Cooperation. However, the BJP has expressed its determination to retain control of Finance and Planning, citing the strategic importance of these ministries in driving Maharashtra’s development agenda.
The BJP, as the dominant partner in the alliance, is looking to consolidate its position by securing key ministries. These include Home, Housing, Urban Development, Finance, Irrigation, Energy, Public Works, Environment and Tourism, Parliamentary Affairs, Skill Development, and General Administration. Controlling these portfolios would allow the BJP to steer the state’s policy direction and administrative priorities, further cementing its influence in one of India’s most politically significant states.
To resolve the impasse, alliance leaders are reportedly working on a power-sharing formula where ministerial posts are allocated based on the strength of each party's MLAs. Under this arrangement, the BJP is expected to receive 21 to 22 ministries, Shiv Sena 10 to 12, and the NCP faction 8 to 9. Maharashtra’s Constitution limits the total number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, to 43, adding another layer of complexity to the negotiations.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been called upon to mediate and is scheduled to meet with alliance leaders in Delhi. Shah’s intervention is seen as critical to breaking the stalemate, given his track record of managing coalition dynamics and his influence within the BJP. The meeting is expected to address not only the Chief Ministerial issue but also the broader distribution of portfolios, with the aim of ensuring a balanced and functional government.
The prolonged negotiations have sparked concerns about potential public dissatisfaction. While the alliance's victory was decisive, delays in forming the government and resolving power-sharing disputes could tarnish its image. Leaders know that any discord or inefficiency perception could impact their credibility and undermine the electoral mandate.
The stakes are high, not only for the Mahayuti alliance but also for Maharashtra’s governance. The state, which contributes significantly to India’s economy and is home to a diverse population, requires a stable and effective government to address pressing issues such as infrastructure development, agricultural reform, and urban challenges. The outcome of the meeting in Delhi will not only shape the immediate political landscape but also set the tone for the alliance’s functioning in the years to come.
