The BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra is likely to hold its Cabinet expansion on December 14. According to highly placed sources in the Mahayuti, the power-sharing between the alliance partners has been finalised: the BJP will keep 20 ministerial posts; Shiv Sena will get 12 berths; and the NCP 10. Devendra Fadnavis had taken oath as the Chief Minister, along with Sena leader Eknath Shinde and NCP chief Ajit Pawar as Deputy CMs on December 5. Fadanvis had then told mediapersons that the Cabinet expansion will take place before the Winter Session of the Assembly which commences in Nagpur on December 16. In terms of portfolios, the three parties are likely to veer towards maintaining the status quo, that is retain the top portfolios they held before the elections, with minor changes in the other portfolios. While Fadnavis will retain Home, the Finance Ministry will once again go to Ajit Pawar. Shinde is set to get the Urban Development Ministry which he held during his tenure as CM. After Shinde agreed for the Deputy CM post, the Sena had demanded that the party should get the Home portfolio. However, the BJP had made it clear that he would have to make the choice between Home and Urban Development. Sources in the Mahayuti indicated that while the Sena had got one portfolio less than what it wanted, the NCP’s demand was for 10 departments, which it has got. Insiders say the BJP held strong given that it far outnumbers its partners – with 132 MLAs, compared to the Sena’s 57 and NCP’s 41. So, the BJP is likely to retain Home, Housing, Revenue, General Administration Department, Law and Judiciary, Rural Development, Power, Water Resources, Tribal Welfare, OBC, and Higher and Technical Education. The key portfolios in the Sena's bucket includes Urban Development, School Education, Health, Industries and Public Works Department. The NCP will have in its fold Finance, Cooperation, Agriculture, Food and Drugs administration, and Women and Child Welfare. While the final list of candidates shortlisted for the ministerial posts will require the Central leadership's nod, caste, community and regional balance will be a top consideration. A senior NCP leader said, “In the first meeting itself, the party’s top leadership had categorically conveyed to the BJP that there can be some give and take on the number of Cabinet berths. But the party has no problem in maintaining the status quo, when it comes to portfolios.” Insiders said the Sena is driving a hard bargain for additionally the post of chairperson of the state Legislative Council. However, a sizeable section within the BJP believes that being the party with the most seats, it should not compromise on key constitutional posts including that of Legislative Council chairperson.
