Nirmala Sitharaman, Vijay Rupani appointed central observers for Maharashtra BJP legislative meeting

It was the first meeting of a BJP leader with Shinde after he returned from Delhi on November 28, where he had met Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

After coming out of the 90-minute meeting, Mahajan told reporters, “I came to meet Shinde ji to enquire about his health. As we all know, he has been unwell for four to five days. He has sore throat and some infection.”

Rubbishing the speculations, Mahajan said, “All is well within the Mahayuti. There is no dispute. Shinde himself has clarified to the media a few days ago that he will not be a hurdle in government formation. He is not unhappy.”

Known as a trouble-shooter, Mahajan’s visit to Shinde is being seen as rapprochement by the BJP to the Shiv Sena leader and reassure that the party values his support in government formation.

Mahajan said, “By Tuesday, Shinde would resume his work, including meetings, as a caretaker CM. We have taken the decision to work together as a team.”

On Wednesday, the 132 elected BJP legislators will have a meeting along with the central observers at the Central Hall in Vidhan Bhawan at 10 am, to elect the party’s new state legislative leader.

The decision comes after BJP central and state leaders were assured of support to their decision by both the alliance partners — Shinde-led Shiv Sena and NCP led by Ajit Pawar.

A senior BJP leader requesting anonymity said, “There are absolutely no hurdles in government formation. All the issues confronting the allies were sorted out and the decision on oath taking ceremony was announced only after that.”

BJP insiders have already indicated that Devendra Fadnavis will be the chief minister of the BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra. The swearing-in ceremony will take place on December 5 at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai.

Responding to apprehensions over portfolios between Shiv Sena and BJP, a highly placed source said, “Had there been any inconclusive discussions or power tussle, we would not have given nod for oath taking on December 5.”

According to insiders, “Along with Fadnavis taking oath as CM, Shinde and Ajit Pawar will also take oath as deputy chief ministers.” In the first round, the cabinet is likely to comprise 21 ministers, including CM and two deputies. It will have representation from all three Mayuti allies — BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP. The region and caste/community representation will be factored in while tailoring the cabinet.

The permissible limit for Maharashtra cabinet is 43, including the CM. The cabinet expansion will take place later with consultation with alliance partners.

Unlike in the Shinde government where cabinet was restricted to just 29 ministers, including the CM and two deputies, for two-and-a-half years, BJP-led Mahayuti with absolute mandate is keen on having a full-fledged cabinet. It reckons it has a mandate for a full five-year term with 230 out of 288 seats.

Meanwhile, though the meeting between leaders of Shiv Sena, BJP and NCP did not happen on Monday, Ajit Pawar left for Delhi to meet the BJP leadership. Sources in Shiv Sena indicated that Eknath Shinde will join the meeting of Mahayuti leaders once the BJP MLAs appoint their legislative party leader.

Meanwhile, state BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule Monday inspected the preparations for the swearing-in ceremony at Azad Maidan. Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar also convened a meeting with party office-bearers and MLAs to plan the event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP chief ministers of other states along with a significant number of karyakartas are expected to attend the ceremony.