Amid the brainstorming within Mahayuti regarding the formation of a new government in Maharashtra, the first demand from Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, has emerged. The party has requested the Home Ministry. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat asserts that the Shiv Sena should be awarded the Home Department in Maharashtra's new government. He mentioned that the Home Department is typically under the Deputy Chief Minister's purview.
Sanjay Shirsat commented, 'It's not ideal for the Chief Minister to lead the Home Department... Making Shinde the face of the Mahayuti government has indeed benefited the BJP. The BJP or NCP were not involved in pacifying the Maratha Reservation activists. It was Shinde who took on the responsibility. He granted the Maratha Reservation, thus significantly increasing support for him. Eknath Shinde was also the one who held the most rallies in Marathwada.'
Speculations on Discontent with Shinde's Village Visit
After Eknath Shinde canceled the Mahayuti meeting in Mumbai and went directly to his ancestral village in Satara from Delhi, speculations were rife about his displeasure over the indecision on the Chief Minister position within the alliance. However, the Shiv Sena led by Shinde brushed off these speculations, explaining that the party leader wasn't feeling well, which prompted his village visit. Furthermore, the Shiv Sena indicated that a meeting to make the final decision on government formation is likely on Saturday.
Shiv Sena Wants Home Department Paired with Deputy CM Position
With no final decision on the Cabinet and Chief Minister post, a tug-of-war persists between BJP and Shiv Sena over the state's Home Minister and General Administration Department. According to sources, Eknath Shinde wants to hand over the Chief Minister position to BJP on the condition that Deputy Chief Minister and the Home Ministry be allocated to his party. In the previous government, Devendra Fadnavis was both the Deputy Chief Minister and the Home Minister. Earlier, Shinde's associate and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat suggested that the acting CM might not accept a Deputy CM role.
Shiv Sena Wants Eknath Shinde in the Government
Meanwhile, on Friday, Uday Samant mentioned that all Shiv Sena legislators have conveyed to Eknath Shinde that they wish for him to be the Deputy Chief Minister. Samant remarked, 'Our leader, Eknath Shinde's inclusion in the government is important, as he initiated the Ladli Behan scheme. Therefore, his presence is crucial for the government. Again, a detailed discussion over the Cabinet structure will take place between Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar. Eknath Shinde will make the final decision.'
Decision on Chief Minister and Cabinet Possible by Tomorrow
Sanjay Shirsat has stated that the oath-taking ceremony of Maharashtra's next Chief Minister, yet to be announced, is tentatively scheduled for December 2. On the other hand, BJP leaders suggest the new CM might take oath on December 5. A major announcement is expected from Eknath Shinde by Saturday evening. It's worth noting that NCP and Ajit Pawar have agreed on BJP's Chief Minister. Now, the formation of the new government is mainly tangled due to Shiv Sena and Eknath Shinde. There's a possibility that by tonight or tomorrow, the picture will be clear regarding the Chief Minister and Cabinet.
