Eknath Shinde accepts deputy CM post in Fadnavis-led Maharashtra govt: Report

Eknath Shinde has reportedly agreed to serve as one of two deputy chief ministers in the new Mahayuti government, likely led by BJP's Devendra Fadnavis, reported TOI on December 4, 2024.

According to the report, Shinde’s decision follows a series of high-stakes power-sharing discussions within the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition.

The agreement was reportedly reached after Fadnavis met Shinde at the chief minister's official residence 'Varsha' on Tuesday evening. This meeting came days after both leaders were in New Delhi to consult with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the state’s political alignment.


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Maharashtra power-sharing talks continue

Shinde, the outgoing chief minister, will likely take the oath alongside Fadnavis and NCP’s Ajit Pawar, the other deputy chief minister, at a swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Thursday, said the TOI report.

The event at Mumbai's Azad Maidan is expected to draw high-profile attendees, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside thousands of party supporters.

A Shiv Sena leader told TOI that discussions over portfolios, including Shinde's demand for the Home Ministry, are ongoing. “Only the chief minister and two deputy chief ministers are likely to be sworn in tomorrow. The full cabinet will be formed once the power-sharing formula is finalised,” the leader said.

The BJP's central observers, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, are also set to meet Shinde after the BJP’s legislature party elects its leader on Wednesday. This meeting is expected to finalise the government structure.

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Shinde's Shiv Sena faction has pushed to retain its previous nine ministries, including the industries and urban development portfolios. Meanwhile, the NCP’s Ajit Pawar, who was absent from Tuesday’s meeting, has indicated that broader discussions involving all three coalition partners will ultimately shape the power-sharing arrangement.

The BJP secured a strong mandate in the November 20 Maharashtra elections, winning 132 out of 288 seats — its best-ever performance in the state. However, the alliance faces the task of balancing competing interests among coalition partners to maintain stability.