Maharashtra government formation: It's fair we insist on home portfolio, says Sena neta

NEW DELHI: During deliberations, Eknath Shinde had raised the issue of the awkwardness of him joining govt as Dy CM after having served as CM of Mahayuti govt. Sources said Amit Shah is learnt to have told him calmly that even Fadnavis, an ex-CM, had joined him as deputy and it was not a decision Fadnavis took on his own but because he was asked to do so by the party. BJP's confidence is based on the numbers it has in the assembly: 132 plus five independents, which with Ajit's support swells to a daunting 178, putting the ball in Shinde's court.

NCP chief Ajit Pawar on Saturday reiterated that the CM would be from BJP and there would be two deputy chief ministers, one from NCP and the other from the Shiv Sena.

However, the Sena would, in addition to seeking the Dy CM's post, keep up its demand for the home portfolio and for retaining all the 9 ministries it held in the Shinde-led govt, a Sena functionary said. These include the industries and urban development departments.

Asked about Sena's demand for the home portfolio, Ajit Pawar said, "It's the CM's prerogative to decide portfolios. There is no tug-of-war regarding portfolios."

Sena's Sanjay Shirsat justified the party's demand. "When BJP held the Dy CM's post, they got the home portfolio. So it's only fair that we insist on it. If there is a dashing leader in charge of the home department, it will keep rioters at bay," he said.

The Sena functionary said there are no backchannel talks or negotiations going on with BJP and any power-sharing formula will only be discussed when Shinde, Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar meet in person.

Meanwhile, SS (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said, "Before the MVA govt was formed, they declared President's rule. Now after such a massive majority, the Mahayuti govt has still not been formed. The term of the assembly is over. Why hasn't President's rule been declared?"