Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde is set to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah following the oath-taking ceremony in Maharashtra to discuss the allocation of the crucial home portfolio, the party announced on Thursday. Shinde will be sworn in as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra alongside Devendra Fadnavis, who will take the oath as chief minister.
“After the swearing-in ceremony, Eknath Shinde will meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and a decision will be made regarding the home portfolio and other key posts,” Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat revealed. The party has been actively seeking the home portfolio for Shinde in the new power-sharing arrangement.
The BJP had earlier declared Devendra Fadnavis as the chief ministerial candidate for the Mahayuti alliance, sidelining Shinde’s ambitions for the top post. Shinde had initially pushed for the chief minister role, referencing the BJP’s alliance arrangement with Nitish Kumar in Bihar. However, he later agreed to back the BJP’s choice.
Amid negotiations, Shinde unexpectedly left Mumbai for Thane last Friday, citing health concerns, only to return to the state capital on Tuesday.
In an announcement on Thursday, Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant confirmed that Shinde would be sworn in as deputy chief minister, alongside NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who will also hold a deputy CM position.
The swearing-in of the new government marks the culmination of intense discussions within the Mahayuti alliance and sets the stage for negotiations over key portfolios. The home portfolio remains a focal point of contention, with Shinde’s meeting with Amit Shah expected to play a decisive role in its allocation.