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Suspense has been mounting over the portfolio allocation as it’s been a week since the formation of the new Maharashtra government.
Maharashtra cabinet formation: CM Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde (PTI Image)
Maharashtra Cabinet Formation: The suspense over the portfolio distribution in Maharashtra is likely to come to an end soon as the Mahayuti allies have devised a new formula for the same, sources said on Thursday.
The BJP may keep the Home Department, which was the point of deadlock with the Shiv Sena, which was earlier reportedly keen on bagging the Home Ministry, as Eknath Shinde was demoted from the Chief Minister’s post in the previous government to Deputy CM in the new administration.
This comes after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and BJP chief JP Nadda met Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence in the national capital in a late-night meeting on Wednesday.
What Is The Portfolio Allocation Formula?
According to sources, the three leaders of the Mahayuti – Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar – have agreed to a new formula for portfolio allocation, as per which the BJP will have 20 departments, and Shiv Sena, and NCP will hold 10 ministries each.
“The BJP plans to assign portfolios to its existing ministers. The NCP is also likely to place its trust in its old ministers. However, the Shiv Sena (Shinde camp) might appoint new faces as ministers,” sources told CNN-News18.
Sources also indicated that the BJP, the largest party among the three allies, will keep the Home Ministry while PWD (Public Works Department) and UD (Urban Development) may go to the Shinde camp.
Ajit Pawar is likely to retain the Finance portfolio, they said.
Maharashtra Government Formation
Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as the Chief Minister on December 5, while Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar took oath as his deputies.
Only the three leaders of Mahayuti had sworn into office at the swearing-in ceremony.
The grand event was held at Azad Maidan in Mumbai in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top ministers and chief ministers of the NDA-ruled states.