BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP Reach Agreement on Distribution of Berths
As the clock ticks down to the swearing-in ceremony for Maharashtra ’s new Chief Minister, the ruling alliance has reportedly reached a power-sharing formula for ministerial posts. Sources suggest that the distribution of portfolios will follow a 6-1 formula, meaning that each party will receive one ministerial post for every six MLAs it has in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
Ministerial Breakdown: BJP, Sena, and NCP
With 132 seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold the lion’s share of ministerial positions. Expected to secure between 20 to 22 posts, the BJP’s dominance reflects its significant victory in the assembly elections. The Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, which secured 57 seats, will receive 12 ministerial positions. Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar’s faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which won 41 seats, will likely be allocated 9 to 10 posts.
Tensions Over Portfolios
While the seat distribution appears settled, there are disagreements over the specific ministerial portfolios. The Home Ministry, currently under Devendra Fadnavis, is a point of contention. The Shinde faction of the Sena has made it clear that if they accept Fadnavis’s position as Deputy Chief Minister, they expect the Home Ministry as compensation for the loss of this prestigious role.
Ajit Pawar’s NCP, however, has requested a more equitable share of ministerial positions, arguing that their “strike rate” was better than the Sena’s, and therefore, they should receive a similar allocation of posts.
Delay in Chief Minister Decision
The delay in finalizing ministerial positions has also held up the announcement of the new Chief Minister. Despite the BJP’s strong performance, leaders of the three alliance parties—BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP—have struggled to reach an agreement on the Chief Ministerial candidate. The announcement of the Chief Minister is now expected to occur on Wednesday, when BJP legislators meet to select their leader of the legislature party.
Most sources speculate that Devendra Fadnavis, the BJP leader, will likely be chosen for the Chief Minister role. Fadnavis met with Eknath Shinde earlier today, signaling efforts to smooth over tensions within the alliance.
Ruling Alliance’s Commanding Majority
The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, has secured a commanding majority in Maharashtra’s 288-seat Legislative Assembly with 230 seats. This near-dominant position has sparked significant discussions within the alliance about how to fairly divide power and ministerial responsibilities.
Opposition’s Criticism
The delays in announcing the new government have provided ammunition for the opposition, who have criticized the ruling alliance for its inability to reach a consensus. The opposition parties continue to mock the BJP-led coalition’s internal struggles, as the political uncertainty lingers.
Next Steps
As Maharashtra awaits the formation of its new government, the parties involved must finalize the allocation of portfolios and confirm the leadership. The next few days are crucial as the ruling alliance aims to settle its internal disputes and provide clarity on governance.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
