Maharashtra: BJP, Shiv Sena close to clinching deal over power sharing; talks almost 80 per cent complete, says Fadnavis

The Sena wants some heavy portfolio which can be a suitable replacement to ministry of home and deputy chief minister post. The BJP is also willing to consider Sena’s demand positively. On the platter it has already offered them ministry of public works department, ministry of water resources, ministry of agriculture and public works department.

The BJP is trying to get the Shiv Sena on board to provide an stable government in Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena is also under pressure to join the Fadnavis government. The BJP has already offered them ten to eleven ministerial berths including five to six cabinet rank.

Fadnavis also urged both BJP and Shiv Sena leaders not to make any statement out of turn that would affect the ongoing process. The chief minister said, “I would like to appeal leaders of both BJP and Sena not to make any statement. Only those leaders who are involved in the discussions should speak.”

Late Sunday night, leaders of Shiv Sena met Fadnavis at his official bungalow at Malabar Hills (Mumbai). Shiv Sena expressed their concerns and also emphasised they were keen on participating in the cabinet.

The chief minister indicated the cabinet expansion will take place this week. Fadnavis wants to carry out the cabinet expansion before the winter session of state legislature beginning at Nagpur from December 8.

The cabinet is likely to have 32 to 35 ministers. Currently there are only nine council of ministers lead by Fadnavis. The cabinet expansion will also have at least ten to 12 new BJP ministers.