Maharashtra: BJP On A Sticky Wicket As Shinde Plays Hardball

Caretaker Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, has put forward tough conditions to the BJP leadership regarding power-sharing arrangements within the Mahayuti alliance following its resounding victory in the state assembly elections. Shinde has reportedly demanded either the Chief Minister’s post or key portfolios, creating friction in government formation talks, reported The New Indian Express.

Shinde, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to deliberate on the allocation of roles. While BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats, Shiv Sena, under Shinde, secured 57 seats. Shinde asserted that the election was fought under his leadership, citing his popularity among women, OBC, and Maratha voters due to schemes and policy decisions introduced during his tenure. He emphasised that removing him from the Chief Minister’s post would send a “wrong message” to the electorate.

Sources revealed to The New Indian Express that Shinde demanded the home, finance, and revenue portfolios for Shiv Sena if Fadnavis assumes the Chief Minister’s role. Shinde reportedly warned that failing to meet these demands would compel the Shiv Sena to withdraw from the government, offering external support to both the state and central BJP governments.

The deadlock has delayed key meetings of the alliance partners, with Shinde retreating to his village in Satara amidst speculation about his dissatisfaction. However, Shiv Sena leaders, including Uday Samant, denied reports of discord, maintaining that Shinde remains committed to the coalition.

BJP is reportedly adamant about installing Fadnavis as the next Chief Minister, citing its dominant performance. Meanwhile, Shinde has publicly stated his willingness to accept Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision, calling him the “head of the family.” Despite his declaration, Shiv Sena leaders, including Sanjay Shirsat, have insisted that Shinde will not accept a Deputy Chief Minister role.

Union Minister Ram Athawale had earlier proposed Shinde move to central politics, allowing Fadnavis to lead the state. This suggestion was swiftly rejected by Shiv Sena then, which maintains that Shinde’s leadership in Maharashtra is non-negotiable.