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Upset over the allocation of key portfolios ahead of the Cabinet expansion in Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday skipped his visit to New Delhi. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar arrived in the national capital on Wednesday afternoon.
“A formal meeting of the three leaders — Fadnavis, Shinde and Pawar — was to be held in Delhi. The meeting was to formalise the power-sharing formula and ministerial berths and portfolios each party would get,” a highly placed source in the Mahayuti said.
A senior Shiv Sena leader, requesting anonymity, said, “The Shiv Sena believes the BJP is systematically working to downsize its powers within the government. They are not only denying Shinde the Home ministry but also not agreeing for Revenue, Industries and Housing portfolios sought by the party in the new government.”
Besides, the NCP staking claim over Housing portfolio, which was with the BJP in the last government, has also irked Shinde. “Shinde has not only given up the chief minister post but also agreed not to press for the important Home portfolio,” a source said.
The Shiv Sena believes the BJP and NCP are working in tandem to undermine its powers in the Mahayuti government, the source added. The Shiv Sena believes after giving up the CM post it has the rightful claim over Revenue and Urban Development, which the BJP is unwilling to concede. The BJP has suggested the Shiv Sena should retain either Urban Development or Revenue.
Underplaying the differences within the Mahayuti over portfolios, a BJP source said, “Fadnavis’ visit to Delhi was planned. After becoming the CM it is a courtesy call where he met President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister for Transport, Roads and Highways Nitin Gadkari.” State BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule is accompanying Fadnavis.
On December 5, Fadnavis took oath as Chief Minister with Shinde and Ajit Pawar as Deputy CMs.
The Cabinet expansion is likely to take place on December 16. The number of ministers permissible in the state is 43, including the CM. With the number of aspirants outnumbering berths, all three parties — BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP — are driving hard bargains.
Although a formal structure has been worked out, there are some ticklish issues regarding portfolios which Mahayuti leaders were to resolve in a meeting in Delhi with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The BJP with 132 MLAs has sought 21 ministers (including CM). The Shiv Sena with 57 MLAs is likely to get 12 ministers. And NCP with 41 ministers, 10. However, the Shiv Sena is insisting on at least 13 ministers and chairperson post of the State Legislative Council.
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