Maha Govt formation Progresses with Shinde as Deputy CM

Discussions between Mahayuti allies on government formation in Maharashtra are inching towards a conclusion with Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde expected to accept the deputy chief minister’s post soon.

This will clear the decks for the swearing on the new government on December 5 led by Bharatiya Janata Party leader, Devendra Fadnavis. This will mark Fadnavis’ return as CM after serving a full term from 2014-19 and a brief stint with Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar which did not last long.

Shinde is expected to be the deputy CM nominee with political sources dismissing suggestions that his son Kalyan MP Srikant Shinde might be the Sena choice. The Sena had understood to have pressed for Shinde’s retention arguing that this would reflect recognition of his work. Thereafter Shinde said he would accept the decision of the BJP leadership but held back on his own participation in the government. That hiccup is now over, sources said.

The other point of contention over the home portfolio is being clarified since the Sena has made a pitch for it. It is understood the portfolio allocation is being finalised. BJP leaders are keen that Fadnavis retain the home berth and Sena be suitably compensated.

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Rajeev Deshpande

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