Nearly three weeks after securing a majority in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Mahayuti alliance—comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP—has yet to finalize the distribution of cabinet portfolios. The delay continues to fuel speculation about internal disagreements among the coalition partners.
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On Thursday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, following days of meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda to resolve lingering disputes over key cabinet positions. Fadnavis was joined by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, but notably absent from the discussions was Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, whose absence has raised eyebrows in political circles.
Contentious Portfolio Allocations
According to insiders, a tentative agreement has been reached to allocate 22 ministerial berths to the BJP, 11 to the Shiv Sena, and 10 to the NCP, within the 43-member cabinet. However, the precise distribution of portfolios remains a sticking point. Key departments such as home and revenue are expected to remain with the BJP, while Shiv Sena and NCP may be assigned less influential ministries if they push for additional cabinet berths.
Shinde, who had lobbied for the powerful home portfolio, has reportedly been granted urban development instead. The finance ministry is set to go to the NCP, underscoring the BJP’s influence over the allocation process.
Eknath Shinde’s Position
Shinde’s role in the coalition has been a topic of debate since the election results. While the Shiv Sena initially argued that the party’s electoral success under Shinde’s leadership warranted his continuation as Chief Minister, the BJP maintained its stance on Fadnavis assuming the top position. With limited leverage—given the BJP’s ability to form a majority with just the NCP’s support—Shinde ultimately accepted the Deputy Chief Minister role on December 5.
His decision not to join the current discussions in Delhi has sparked questions about his involvement in the final stages of the government formation process. While Shinde has publicly stated that he will not obstruct government functioning, his absence may signal dissatisfaction with the unfolding power dynamics within the alliance.
Next Steps
The Mahayuti alliance’s delay in resolving cabinet allocations highlights underlying tensions that could shape the coalition’s functioning in the months ahead. Observers believe that a resolution may be imminent as central BJP leaders work to mediate and finalize the distribution of portfolios. However, the allocation of influential ministries and the potential fallout within alliance partners will likely remain points of contention as the government begins its tenure.
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