Shiv Sena has strongly refuted speculation that its leader and caretaker Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, is dissatisfied with the ongoing impasse over the Chief Minister’s post. The party clarified that Shinde had traveled to his hometown Satara after returning from Delhi, citing health reasons, and assured that he remains dedicated to the welfare and progress of the state. Shiv Sena also dismissed claims that Shinde canceled a Mahayuti alliance meeting out of discontent, emphasizing that discussions and coordination can occur through virtual platforms if necessary.
Shinde recently held discussions in Delhi with top BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, but the deadlock over cabinet portfolio allocation and the Chief Minister’s role persists. Reports indicate that Shinde is advocating for significant portfolios such as the Home Ministry and is seeking a role similar to that of BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis, who held the Home Ministry while serving as Deputy Chief Minister in the previous government. However, BJP remains firm in its stance, favoring Fadnavis as the Chief Minister in the new Mahayuti government.
Shiv Sena leaders, including outgoing state minister Uday Samant, have conveyed their unwavering support for Shinde, with many MLAs voicing their preference for him to take on the role of Deputy Chief Minister. Samant highlighted Shinde’s pivotal contributions, such as the implementation of the Ladli Behan Yojana, and underlined the necessity of his continued presence in the government for the state’s progress. Samant also assured that Shinde would not let personal ambitions obstruct government formation and that the Maharashtra cabinet would soon be finalized after consultations with key leaders.
Meanwhile, Shinde’s close ally Sanjay Shirsat hinted that Shinde might decline the Deputy Chief Minister’s position, preferring a more strategic role as the convener of the Mahayuti alliance, which would allow him to focus on the alliance’s broader objectives without being confined to a subordinate role in the new government. This perspective underscores Shinde’s long-term vision for the alliance and his leadership aspirations beyond conventional ministerial roles.
The BJP leadership is keen to resolve the ongoing discussions and expedite the government formation process to ensure stability within the Mahayuti alliance. A meeting involving Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and NCP leader Ajit Pawar is anticipated to take place soon to iron out the remaining issues and finalize cabinet portfolios. Both the BJP and Shiv Sena have reiterated their commitment to upholding the coalition's unity and delivering effective governance in Maharashtra, with Shinde reassuring his supporters that his decisions will align with the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.
Despite the speculation, Shinde continues to project himself as a team player, emphasizing that his primary focus remains on the state’s development and the people’s welfare. Observers note that the ongoing negotiations reflect the complexities of coalition politics but also highlight the importance of balancing power-sharing dynamics within the Mahayuti alliance. All eyes remain on the upcoming meetings, which are expected to determine the shape of the new Maharashtra government and its leadership framework.
