Why Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister wields power without constitutional authority
With Sunetra Pawar becoming the state’s first woman Deputy CM, a look at how a post not mentioned in the Constitution evolved into a key instrument of coalition management and power sharing in Maharashtra
With the swearing in of Sunetra Pawar as Maharashtra’s 13th Deputy Chief Ministerand the first woman to hold the post, attention has again turned to a position that has no place in the Constitution but plays a major role in the state’s politics. Formally, a Deputy Chief Minister is only a Cabinet minister with an additional title. In practice, in Maharashtra’s coalition-driven and faction-heavy politics, the post has become a key tool for sharing power, managing alliances and signalling political weight within the government.
What is the post of Deputy Chief Minister?
The Constitution provides for a Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister, but it does not mention a Deputy Chief Minister. In legal terms, a Deputy CM is only a Cabinet minister appointed under Article 164 who is given an additional title by the ruling party or coalition. The post has no separate powers and does not rank above other Cabinet ministers.
If it has no Constitutional status, why does the post exist?
Although the post has no Constitutional standing, it exists for political reasons. Governments appoint Deputy Chief Ministers to balance coalition partners, manage rival leaders within parties, give representation to regions or communities, and signal how power is being shared. As coalition governments became more common after the end of one-party dominance, the post emerged as a practical way to distribute authority without altering the formal structure of government.
History of Deputy Chief Ministers in Maharashtra
Maharashtra first created the post of Deputy Chief Minister in 1978, when Nashikrao Tirpude took office during a phase of political instability, followed by short tenures under Congress and breakaway Congress regimes. The position acquired real political weight in 1995, when Gopinath Munde served as Deputy CM in the Shiv Sena-BJP government, turning it into a centre of authority rather than a mere balancing post.
Under Congress-NCP coalitions after 1999, the office became institutionalised as a power sharing device, with leaders such as Chhagan Bhujbal, R R Patil and especially Ajit Pawar, the longest serving Deputy CM, using it as a key base of influence. Since 2019, fractured mandates and party splits have led to experiments with multiple Deputy CMs, including Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde, and this year the office enters a new phase with Sunetra Pawar becoming the first woman to hold the post. This underlines how the role has evolved from a temporary adjustment into a central instrument of coalition management and power sharing in Maharashtra.
Why is the post important in Maharashtra?
The post carries greater importance in Maharashtra than in many other states because of the way power has been structured in the state. Maharashtra has been ruled for long periods by coalition governments, making power sharing arrangements necessary for stability. Deputy Chief Ministers have therefore often been given key portfolios such as Finance or Home, which place them in charge of crucial decisions on spending, law and order and administration.
Can a Deputy CM override the Chief Minister?
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No. Legally, a Deputy CM is equal to other Cabinet ministers. The Chief Minister remains the head of the government, and the Deputy CM has no special constitutional authority.
In practice, a Deputy CM’s influence depends on the portfolio allocated, control over party MLAs, standing within the ruling coalition, and ability to negotiate between factions. A Deputy CM with Finance or Home can wield far more influence than one with a minor department.
Zeeshan Shaikh is the Associate Editor who heads The Indian Express' Mumbai reporting team. He is recognized for his highly specialized Expertise in analyzing the complex dynamics of Maharashtra politics and critical minority issues, providing in-depth, nuanced, and Trustworthy reports.
Expertise
Senior Editorial Role: As an Associate Editor leading the Mumbai reporting team, Zeeshan Shaikh holds a position of significant Authority and journalistic responsibility at a leading national newspaper.
Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on two interconnected, high-impact areas:
Maharashtra Politics & Urban Power Structures: Provides deep-dive analyses into political strategies, municipal elections (e.g., BMC polls), the history of alliances (e.g., Shiv Sena's shifting partners), and the changing demographics that influence civic power in Mumbai.
Minority Issues and Socio-Political Trends: Excels in coverage of the Muslim community's representation in power, demographic shifts, socio-economic challenges, and the historical context of sensitive political and cultural issues (e.g., the 'Vande Mataram' debate's roots in the BMC).
Investigative Depth: His articles frequently delve into the historical roots and contemporary consequences of major events, ranging from the rise of extremist groups in specific villages (e.g., Borivali-Padgha) to the long-term collapse of established political parties (e.g., Congress in Mumbai).
Trustworthiness & Credibility
Data-Driven Analysis: Zeeshan's work often incorporates empirical data, such as National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics on arrests and convictions of minorities, or data on asset growth of politicians, grounding his reports in factual evidence.
Focus on Hinterland Issues: While based in Mumbai, he maintains a wide lens, covering issues affecting the state's hinterlands, including water crises, infrastructure delays, and the plight of marginalized communities (e.g., manual scavengers).
Institutional Affiliation: His senior position at The Indian Express—a publication known for its tradition of rigorous political and investigative journalism—underscores the high level of editorial vetting and Trustworthiness of his reports.
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