Mahayuti Coalition Faces Tug-of-War Over Key Portfolio Allocation in Maharashtra
Mumbai/New Delhi, 29th November 2024: Although the issue of the Chief Minister’s post has been settled within the Mahayuti coalition, a new tug-of-war has erupted between the three major parties over the allocation of key portfolios. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawar are in a standoff over crucial portfolios such as Finance, Home, Energy, and Water Resources.
While the BJP is determined to retain control of important portfolios alongside the Chief Minister’s position, both Shinde and Ajit Pawar are making strong demands for significant ministerial positions. The allocation of ministries and the number of ministers will be pivotal in the upcoming discussions.
Care-taker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has reportedly conceded his claim to the Chief Minister’s post but is pushing for a substantial share of the ministerial pie, citing his party’s strength with 57 MLAs. Early indications suggest that the Urban Development portfolio, a key ministry, will likely remain with the Shinde faction. Additionally, the Shinde group is vying for portfolios such as Energy, Water Resources, and Industry, all of which have significant policy and financial influence. In the previous cabinet, the Shinde-led faction held portfolios for Industry, Road Development, and Social Justice.
Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar is expected to continue seeking control over the Finance portfolio, which he held in the last cabinet. However, the BJP is likely to insist on the Finance and Home portfolios, as they are among the most critical in terms of governance and influence. Alongside this, the NCP is aiming to secure portfolios related to Cooperation, Agriculture, Women and Child Welfare, and Food and Civil Supplies.
Sources indicate that Ajit Pawar is particularly focused on ensuring that the number of ministers and the distribution of important portfolios remain in line with what was seen in the previous cabinet. However, there are indications that the BJP will try to limit the influence of its allies in the coalition. It is anticipated that the BJP will retain control of portfolios that directly impact the public, such as Home, in order to maintain its political grip.
As the negotiations continue, the allocation of portfolios remains a critical point of contention in the Mahayuti alliance, with each party striving to secure its fair share of power and influence in the state government.
