Maharashtra Government Formation: Oath Ceremony Likely to Take Place by December 5
New Delhi: The political suspense in Maharashtra is drawing to a close, with Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat hinting on Saturday that the formation of the new state government is nearing completion. He suggested that the oath-taking ceremony could occur as early as December 5, signaling a potential resolution to the ongoing power-sharing negotiations.
In a statement to ANI, Shirsat shared that Eknath Shinde is expected to make a significant political decision soon, which will likely pave the way for the swearing-in ceremony to take place shortly thereafter. “By tomorrow evening, Shinde will make a crucial decision. The oath-taking ceremony should be scheduled before December 5,” Shirsat affirmed. He also noted that Shinde often takes time away in his native village to reflect on important matters, which might have delayed the decision-making process slightly.
BJP Leader Confirms December 5 as Tentative Date
In parallel, a senior BJP leader confirmed to PTI that the swearing-in ceremony is likely set for December 5. Former two-time Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who has also served as the Deputy Chief Minister in the outgoing government, is widely seen as the frontrunner for the position of Chief Minister in the new administration. However, the timeline for the BJP legislature party meeting, which will formally confirm leadership, remains unclear.
Intense Negotiations Over Power-Sharing
Behind the scenes, high-level negotiations continue to unfold among key leaders. On Thursday, Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar met with BJP President J.P. Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to finalize the distribution of power within the new coalition government. Initially, a Mahayuti alliance meeting was expected earlier, but it has now been rescheduled for Sunday to allow for further deliberations.
The Mahayuti alliance, a coalition of the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, achieved a strong electoral victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, securing 230 out of 288 seats. Despite their success, the alliance is facing internal tensions over the allocation of key ministerial positions, particularly regarding control over crucial portfolios.
Power Struggles Over Key Portfolios
Shirsat, speaking on behalf of Shiv Sena, reiterated the party’s demand for the Home Department, a portfolio typically held by the Deputy Chief Minister. There are concerns within Shiv Sena that Chief Minister Fadnavis might retain control over this significant portfolio. “The Home Department should be under Shiv Sena’s control, as it is traditionally held by the party. It would not be appropriate for the Chief Minister to oversee it,” Shirsat argued, highlighting the critical importance of this role for Shiv Sena.
Shirsat also praised Eknath Shinde’s leadership, noting that his connection with the common people played a key role in the alliance’s success at the polls. Despite facing accusations of disloyalty and being labeled a “gaddar” (traitor) due to his break with Shiv Sena’s former leadership, Shinde’s leadership is credited with energizing the Mahayuti’s campaign. “The rallies led by Shinde were instrumental in the alliance’s success. Had he been allotted a two-and-a-half-year tenure, he would have contributed even more significantly to Maharashtra’s growth,” Shirsat remarked.
Ajit Pawar’s NCP Faction Supports Fadnavis
The NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar has publicly backed Fadnavis as the next Chief Minister, adding further complexity to the power-sharing negotiations. The ongoing power struggles within the Mahayuti alliance have kept Maharashtra’s political landscape in flux, with all eyes on the impending December 5 oath-taking ceremony to bring clarity to the state’s leadership.
As the date for the formation of the new government draws near, the final allocation of key portfolios will be crucial in determining the direction of Maharashtra’s governance for the next term. The ongoing negotiations are expected to shape the state’s political future and set the tone for the new administration’s priorities.