Maharashtra Cabinet Reshuffle: Fadnavis and Pawar Finalize Portfolios
It's time to know that Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, is now in Delhi for serious and critical discussions with the state leaders of BJP to finalize the final distribution of ministerial portfolios among the allies of Mahayuti—the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP.

Maharashtra Cabinet Reshuffle: Now that it's late in October 2023, it's time to know that Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, is now in Delhi for serious and critical discussions with the state leaders of BJP to finalize the final distribution of ministerial portfolios among the allies of Mahayuti—the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP. The meeting does take place when NCP chief Ajit Pawar is also visiting the national capitol, staying with party leader Praful Patel, according to NDTV.
It is interesting to note that Eknath Shinde, the very reluctant Shiv Sena leader who accepted his post as deputy chief minister because he stepped aside for Fadnavis, will play no such part in these high-stakes talks. His absence has raised eyebrows and led many to inquire about matters unsolved among the Shiv Sena ranks.
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Ministerial Distribution Sources told NDTV that the formula for distributing ministerial positions had almost been decided. The BJP is supposed to take 20 portfolios, Shiv Sena 12, and NCP 10. Maharashtra's government can appoint only 43 ministers, including the chief minister.
The arrangement itself matched the landslide victory of the alliance in the Assembly elections in Maharashtra, BJP-132, Shiv Sena-57, NCP-41.
High-level talks
Fadnavis met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari last night to finalize details of the cabinet expansion. However, Shinde's absence from these crucial discussions has added fuel to speculation about lingering discontent within the Shiv Sena.
Despite publicly stating his willingness to work with the government, Shinde's absence suggests that he is still unhappy after not being made chief minister.
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Shiv Sena's argument
The Shiv Sena maintained that mainly due to Shinde's leadership victory by alliance should have made him the natural choice for the chief minister position, yet BJP stood firm on giving the top post to Fadnavis leaving Shinde little leverage in policy making.
The BJP's overwhelming position, thus fortified by the support of NCP, curtailed the bargaining power of Shiv Sena.
Shinde’s acceptance and current absence
On December 5, Shinde took an oath as the deputy chief minister, thus suggesting to have accepted the power-sharing deal. However, since he is not present in Delhi for the discussion, this has led to fresh speculation about him being unhappy with this deal.
Shinde's absence continues to draw attention as awkward moments are being finalized for the power structure in the Mahayuti alliance, a signal that the way to unification would not be easy.
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