Maharashtra Government Power-Sharing Formula: BJP to Hold Key Ministries

Maharashtra Government: With the proposed new power-sharing formula between BJP, Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party, Maharashtra is on the verge of witnessing a new power equation. According to sources, the new government would see BJP holding 21-22 ministries, along with crucial Home Ministry going to BJP again. The Speaker's position in the Maharashtra Assembly is also likely to go to the BJP, and further discussions on other portfolios are to follow.

In the new government formation, Maharashtra's Chief Minister will be sworn in on December 5, along with two Deputy Chief Ministers. It is to be expected that Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena will have around 11-12 ministers in this new ministry. NCP, under the leadership of Ajit Pawar, can expect around 10 ministries in the ministerial council. The portfolios still haven't been finalized yet. But certainly, at least Revenue is going to go to BJP and Shiv Sena with Urban Development.

Sources indicate that NCP may be given Finance Ministry, but BJP is likely to retain major portfolios such as Home and Revenue Ministries. However, according to sources, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena has demanded 16 ministries and is under consideration. Ahead of the winter session of Maharashtra on December 16 in Nagpur, leadership in the new government remains an intense discussion.

Despite the alliance's victory in the assembly elections, which saw a massive win with 232 seats, there remains uncertainty over the Chief Minister's position. The BJP, being the largest party in the alliance with 132 seats, is keen on having its own candidate for CM. Former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s name has emerged as a front-runner. Ajit Pawar has also shown his support for Fadnavis. Contrarily, the Shiv Sena wants Eknath Shinde to be Chief Minister stating that he has led the alliance to victory, adds the political expert.