The long-awaited allocation of portfolios among cabinet members in Maharashtra is expected only after the ongoing winter session of the state legislature concludes on Saturday, according to FPJ sources from the Mahayuti alliance. The delay, as per insiders, is a calculated move to prevent any dissent or controversy while the session is in progress in Nagpur.
A significant point of contention appears to be the allocation of the Home Department. The Shiv Sena, led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, is reportedly keen on securing this key portfolio. Bharag Gogavale, a close aide of Shinde, expressed confidence in the party’s efforts. “We hope the announcement of department allocations to cabinet members will be made soon,” he stated.
The Shiv Sena is also eyeing the Finance and Planning Department, but sources suggest that the Urban Development Department is likely to go to Shinde. However, the Finance Department remains a contentious issue, as Shinde has voiced his opposition to it being allocated to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar of the NCP. Shinde’s stance stems from the Sena’s earlier objections to Pawar’s role during the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.
On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a key player in the alliance, is reportedly unwilling to assign the Home and Finance Departments to Shiv Sena members.
The delay in portfolio allocation has sparked speculation about power dynamics within the coalition. Observers believe the BJP’s reluctance to relinquish critical portfolios reflects an attempt to maintain its dominance within the Mahayuti government.
As the winter session approaches its conclusion, all eyes are on the Mahayuti leadership to see how the allocation unfolds. The final decision could have significant implications for the coalition’s internal dynamics and governance in Maharashtra.