BJP Set To Control Half Of Maharashtra Cabinet; Shinde Sena, NCP To Keep Remaining Portfolios

The BJP is expected to allocate 12 cabinet positions in Maharashtra, including three major portfolios, to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena as compensation for the Chief Minister's post, sources indicate.

The Ajit Pawar-led NCP, the third partner in the Mahayuti alliance, is likely to receive nine cabinet positions. Maharashtra's council of ministers can include a maximum of 43 members, and the BJP is set to retain half of the berths, reported NDTV.

According to sources, Shinde, who has reluctantly accepted the BJP's decision to appoint a Chief Minister from its own ranks, will likely oversee three key ministries: Urban Development, Public Works, and Water Resources.

Reports had previously suggested that the Chief Minister would come from the BJP, with two Deputy Chief Ministers-one each from the Shiv Sena and the NCP.

Ajit Pawar has reportedly informed his party members that the swearing-in ceremony could take place this weekend.

Shinde Backs Down, Team Thackeray Takes Jibe

After much political manoeuvring by Shiv Sena leaders, Shinde confirmed yesterday that his party would support the decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah regarding Maharashtra's next Chief Minister.

"I will not be an obstacle," he stated.

Despite his initial resistance, Shinde has limited bargaining power, as the BJP's 132-seat victory and the NCP's backing ensure the alliance does not need his support to secure a majority in the 288-seat Assembly.

As it becomes evident that the BJP will take the Chief Minister position, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has criticised Shinde.

Ambadas Danve, a leader from the Uddhav Thackeray faction, remarked that the BJP acts independently and cannot be influenced by Shinde.

Earlier, Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said Shinde had already served his purpose in the alliance and that BJP would not offer him the Chief Minister's role.

Devendra Fadnavis Likely to Lead

While the BJP has not officially announced its Chief Minister candidate, Devendra Fadnavis, a former Chief Minister and the party's most prominent leader in Maharashtra, is the frontrunner.

The Nagpur South-West MLA is widely credited as a key architect of the Mahayuti alliance's electoral success. Despite reluctantly taking on the role of Deputy Chief Minister when Shinde's rebellion ousted the Uddhav Thackeray government, many BJP workers now view Fadnavis as the rightful leader to helm the state, particularly after the party's strong performance. Reports suggest the NCP has also endorsed his candidacy.

Caste Dynamics Under Review

The BJP is working to balance caste considerations before announcing its decision. Home Minister Amit Shah recently consulted senior party leader Vinod Tawde to assess the potential backlash from the Maratha community over replacing Shinde with Fadnavis. While Shinde belongs to the Maratha community, Fadnavis is a Brahmin.

During earlier agitations for Maratha reservations, prominent Maratha leader Manoj Jarange-Patil labelled Fadnavis a "Maratha-hater." The BJP appears keen to resolve such concerns before making a formal declaration.