Eknath Shinde Eyes Key Home Portfolio in Maharashtra Government

Days after Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister on December 5, Shiv Sena expressed its intent to claim the crucial home portfolio in the state government.

Bharat Gogawale, a Shiv Sena leader, spoke to PTI, highlighting that when Fadnavis was deputy CM in the previous Shinde-led government, he held the home department.

Now, Eknath Shinde is pushing for the same arrangement, with talks ongoing over portfolio allocation.

Eknath Shinde’s Demand and Ongoing Negotiations

Gogawale stated, “When Fadnavis was the deputy CM (in the previous Shinde-led government), he also held the home department.

Now, Saheb (Eknath Shinde) has demanded the same arrangement, and talks on portfolio allocation are in progress.”

According to Gogawale, Shinde likely made the request to Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He expressed hope that the discussions would conclude within the next two days.

On December 5, Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister after the Mahayuti alliance, consisting of the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, emerged victorious in the 2024 state assembly elections.

Eknath Shinde also took the oath as Deputy Chief Minister, though sources suggested that he was initially hesitant to accept the position. Shinde was eventually persuaded by fellow Shiv Sena leaders to step into the deputy role.

Shinde’s Reluctance and BJP’s Stance on Home Ministry

Despite initially being reluctant to accept the Deputy Chief Minister role, Eknath Shinde is adamant about claiming the home department.

The BJP however, is not eager to cede control of this significant portfolio so easily. Shinde’s demand for the home portfolio comes amidst ongoing discussions over the allocation of other key ministries within the new government.

Fadnavis, reflecting on his previous experience with the Home Ministry, remarked that it was a department that receives “less thanks and more abuses.”

Nevertheless, he emphasized that the government would continue to prioritize law and order in Maharashtra, ensuring the safety of its citizens.

Tensions Between Shiv Sena and BJP Over Portfolio Allocation

There is growing tension within the Mahayuti alliance, especially between the Shiv Sena and the BJP, over the distribution of portfolios. In the past, the Home Ministry was under Fadnavis’ control.

However, the Shiv Sena is now determined to retain the home department for Shinde, given that he was not made the Chief Minister this time.

Fadnavis also addressed the upcoming cabinet expansion, confirming that the Speaker’s election would take place between December 7 and 9, during a special session of the Maharashtra assembly.

He assured that decisions regarding portfolio allocation would be finalized soon. “Who will get what ministry will be decided by the three of us, and it is in the final stage,” Fadnavis explained, referring to himself, Shinde, and Pawar.

Shiv Sena’s Internal Politics and Fadnavis’ Comments

The political climate remains tense within the Shiv Sena, as Shinde’s reluctance to accept the Deputy CM post only added to the uncertainty.

Despite the pushback from Shinde, Shiv Sena leaders, including Uday Samant, had insisted that if Shinde did not accept the Deputy CM role, no other Sena members would join the government.

In the wake of the election results, Shinde’s decision to ultimately take the Deputy CM position marked a crucial moment in the government formation process. However, the spotlight now shifts to the contentious issue of the home ministry.

BJP’s Position on Home and Urban Development Ministries

According to sources within the BJP, Shinde’s demand for the Home Ministry would come with the condition that Shiv Sena relinquishes control over the Urban Development Ministry, which would be handed over to the Chief Minister’s office.

Although Shinde has not met with BJP leaders since his return from Delhi, talks regarding the cabinet expansion and portfolio allocation are ongoing.

The tension reached a peak during the swearing-in ceremony when several key Shiv Sena leaders, including members of Shinde’s family, were excluded from the main stage.

This exclusion, along with the behind-the-scenes negotiations, indicates the brewing political rivalry within the alliance.

Political Analyst’s View and Consequences

Political analyst Vijay Chormare weighed in, suggesting that the BJP would not concede both the Home and Urban Development Ministries to Shinde.

Chormare also cautioned that pushing too hard for these portfolios could harm Shinde’s position within the party. The political landscape is further complicated by Shinde’s insistence on additional posts, such as the Speaker’s position.

Ajit Pawar, leader of the NCP, is expected to secure the Finance Ministry, with his party likely targeting other portfolios like agriculture and cooperation.

BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar also indicated that the full council of ministers would be sworn in before the winter session of the Maharashtra Assembly in Nagpur.

Rising Tensions Amid Maharashtra’s Political Shuffle

The demand for the Home Ministry and the ongoing discussions over portfolio allocation reflect deeper political tensions within the Mahayuti alliance.

As talks continue, all eyes are on how the distribution of key ministries will shape the future of Maharashtra’s government.

With the Shiv Sena asserting its claim to the home portfolio, and BJP sources maintaining a firm stance, the situation remains fluid, with potential consequences for both parties in the coalition.