Amid ongoing discussions over portfolio allocations in Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has reportedly demanded the coveted Home Ministry from the BJP. Shiv Sena MLA Bharat Gogavale, a close associate of Shinde, revealed this during an interaction on Friday, stating that the talks on cabinet portfolios are in full swing.

"The cabinet expansion is expected to happen between December 11 and 16, ahead of the winter session of the state legislature beginning in Nagpur on December 16," Gogavale said.

Gogavale, the Mahad MLA, mentioned that Shinde has requested the Home Ministry, which was previously held by Devendra Fadnavis during the earlier Shinde-led government. "Saheb (Shinde) has demanded the Home Ministry, and discussions are underway," he said, adding that the demand might have been placed before Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Home Minister Amit Shah.

The Mahayuti coalition, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, secured 230 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly in last month?s elections. Notably, no other leader apart from the coalition's top three figures?Fadnavis, Shinde, and Ajit Pawar?took the oath of office at the swearing-in ceremony held at Azad Maidan on Thursday.

Gogavale also hinted at potential changes in the portfolios previously held by the Shiv Sena in the earlier government, stating that efforts are being made to reassign key departments. He expressed optimism that the ongoing discussions on portfolio allocations would conclude within the next two days.

Devendra Fadnavis, who took oath as chief minister for the third time, faces the challenging task of balancing the power dynamics within the Mahayuti alliance while ensuring efficient governance ahead of the winter session.