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Sources suggest that the ruling Mahayuti alliance has devised a 21-12-10 formula for the Maharashtra cabinet under which BJP, being the largest party, will secure 21 berths, followed by 12 for the Eknath Shinde faction and 10 for the Ajit Pawar camp
The home ministry, another critical department, was handled by Devendra Fadnavis in the last term. (PTI)
Amid the suspense over who will be the next chief minister of Maharashtra, the spotlight has shifted to the allocation of key cabinet portfolios in the state.
Sources suggest that the ruling Mahayuti alliance has devised a 21-12-10 formula for the Maharashtra cabinet. Under the arrangement, the BJP, being the largest party, will secure 21 ministerial berths, followed by 12 for the Eknath Shinde faction and 10 for the Ajit Pawar camp.
However, the critical question remains — who will control the most influential portfolios, including finance, home, and general administration? These departments are considered crucial for maintaining administrative dominance and political leverage.
Reports indicate that the BJP has staked its claim to all the three departments. During the previous term of the Mahayuti government, Ajit Pawar served as the finance minister and used the portfolio to provide significant financial backing to NCP legislators. This had reportedly caused resentment among BJP and Shinde faction MLAs.
In the new term, the BJP is keen on taking control of the finance ministry. This move will allow the BJP to manage the state’s finances, including implementing major schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana — a welfare initiative that proved instrumental in Mahayuti’s election success. As part of the pre-election promises, the government will now have to provide Rs 2,100 per month to eligible women under the scheme. This commitment is expected to place significant pressure on the state’s treasury, further underscoring the importance of a strong finance minister to manage the fiscal challenges effectively. While the BJP is intent on taking over finance, Ajit Pawar’s camp might be compensated with either the revenue or public works department.
The home ministry, another critical department, was handled by Devendra Fadnavis in the last term. However, rising crime rates and increasing incidents of violence against women invited criticism, making the portfolio controversial. Despite the challenges, the home ministry is strategically vital for maintaining law and order and exerting influence over political rivals. Speculation is rife about whether Fadnavis will retain the home ministry.
A high-stakes meeting in Delhi on Thursday is expected to finalise the chief minister and key ministerial portfolios for Maharashtra. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Fadnavis, Shinde, Pawar, and senior leader Praful Patel will participate in the discussions. The meeting has drawn the attention of the entire state as the decisions made here will shape the power dynamics of the Mahayuti government for the next term.
The allocation of portfolios will not only determine the internal balance of power within the Mahayuti but also dictate the government’s ability to address pressing economic challenges and political rivalries. With Maharashtra’s fiscal health under scrutiny and political equations within the alliance complex, all eyes are now on Delhi to see how the BJP, Shinde faction, and Ajit Pawar’s camp navigate this high-stakes moment.
