The results of the Maharashtra Assembly elections are in, and four days have passed. Yet, the ruling grand coalition has not finalized the face of the new chief minister. Intense discussions are ongoing among the three coalition allies to maintain the balance of power. Sources within the BJP reveal that alliance leaders are buoyed by their significant victory, thus not inclined to hasten. The BJP leadership believes that, post-government formation, the most significant tussle within any alliance arises over the distribution of heavyweight ministries, so defining portfolios first is crucial before declaring the CM face. In essence, the NDA aims to address potential controversies before revealing the government leadership.
BJP insiders assert that the party seeks to upset no faction, therefore exhibiting particular caution in selecting the chief minister. During the ministry divisions, considerations will include regional balance and caste equations. For this reason, cabinet formation is prioritized over the immediate announcement of the CM face.
In the assembly elections, the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP coalition gained a tremendous victory. The BJP emerged victorious with 132 seats, Shiv Sena secured 57, and NCP claimed 41 seats. JSS won 2 seats, and RSJP, 1. In this election, BJP fielded 149 candidates, while Shiv Sena and NCP nominated 81 and 59 candidates, respectively.
Focusing on Ministry Distribution Formula
According to a news agency, four days post-results, consensus on the chief minister's identity among coalition parties remains elusive. A BJP leader conveyed that there is no urgency to name someone for the CM post as the central leadership focuses on a comprehensive plan for government formation. Finalizing ministerial positions and distributing heavyweight ministries are key focuses. In the alliance, the allocation of ministries is critical as it often leads to discord and disputes.
A BJP leader mentioned the case of Raigad district's Shiv Sena legislator Mahendra Thorave, who objected to NCP’s Aditi Tatkare being designated as the district guardian minister due to local political rivalries. He emphasized the desire to prevent such disputes and achieve local resolutions. For this, it is pivotal for the alliance parties to convene, address controversial issues, and build consensus before progressing.
The Maharashtra Assembly comprises 288 members, allowing a maximum of 43 ministers, both cabinet and state, given the 36 districts. Therefore, it becomes essential for the chief minister to ensure representation for every district.
BJP High Command Engages with Allies
A party leader stated that while the parliamentary session is ongoing, the central leadership is heavily engaged. Despite this, they are conducting meetings with Maharashtra BJP leaders and coalition parties while managing floor operations in parliament. Regarding the CM face declaration, the BJP high command is dispatching a team of central observers to Mumbai. This team will first engage with alliance leaders, then consult lawmakers to finalize a cabinet formula, leading to the announcement of the legislative party leader through mutual agreement.
The BJP's Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde are under consideration for the chief minister role in Maharashtra. Ajit Pawar has already withdrawn from the CM race, showing preference for Fadnavis.
Shiv Sena Insists on Shinde as CM
Given Fadnavis's status as the foremost face of BJP’s electoral campaign, he is claimed to be central to BJP's record victory. This strengthens his position as the leading candidate for CM. However, Shiv Sena argues for Eknath Shinde’s reappointment as CM. Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party, the third coalition partner, has yet to disclose its plans. Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal recently conveyed that Fadnavis is acceptable to them. Many BJP leaders and newly elected legislators have also advocated for Fadnavis as the next chief minister.
BJP High Command in Wait and Watch
Regarding the allocation of CM and ministry positions, Shiv Sena sources claim that the BJP high command has adopted a wait-and-watch strategy. So far, they have not appointed observers for Maharashtra. Consequently, no date or time has been set for the BJP legislative party meeting. Ministerial roles will be defined after a partnership deal on power-sharing within the coalition is determined.
Potential Cabinet Formula
Sources indicate that within the 43-member cabinet, BJP aims to hold the Home Department and at least 20 other ministries. Shiv Sena seeks a number two position in the government with 11-12 ministries. Similarly, discussions suggest NCP might receive 10 departments, while Ajit Pawar could maintain the Finance Ministry.
