BJP To Retain Half of Maharashtra Cabinet, Shinde Sena To Get Plump Portfolios

Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar,

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to retain half of the Maharashtra cabinet seats, according to sources.

The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena will be allocated 12 cabinet berths, including three major portfolios, as a consolation for not securing the Chief Minister’s post. The Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), another ally in the Mahayuti alliance, is expected to receive nine cabinet seats.

Key Portfolios for Shinde Sena

Eknath Shinde, who has accepted the BJP’s decision to appoint a Chief Minister from its ranks, is likely to be given important portfolios such as Urban Development, Public Works Department, and Water Resources.

This decision comes after days of political posturing by Sena leaders, with Shinde announcing his party’s support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah’s choice for the next Maharashtra Chief Minister.

Political Dynamics

Despite initial resistance, Shinde has agreed to the BJP’s decision, stating he would not be an “obstacle” in the process. The BJP’s victory with 132 seats, combined with the NCP’s support, means they do not need Shinde’s backing to reach the majority mark in the 288-seat Assembly.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has criticized Shinde, with party leader Ambadas Danve stating that the BJP takes decisions independently and Shinde cannot pressure it.

Devendra Fadnavis: The Frontrunner

While the BJP has yet to announce its Chief Minister choice, Devendra Fadnavis, a former Chief Minister and the tallest party leader in the state, is the frontrunner.

Fadnavis is considered one of the key architects of the Mahayuti victory in this election. BJP workers and the NCP have reportedly endorsed Fadnavis for the Chief Minister post.

Addressing Caste Concerns

The BJP is also addressing potential caste-related concerns over the appointment, particularly from the Maratha community.

Home Minister Amit Shah has met senior BJP leader Vinod Tawde to understand the community’s reaction if Fadnavis, a Brahmin, replaces Shinde, a Maratha. The BJP aims to iron out all doubts before making a formal announcement.