Eknath Shinde Seeks Home Portfolio In Fadnavis Government

Shiv Sena MLA Bharat Gogavale confirmed on Friday that Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister, has demanded the crucial home portfolio in the new government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which together form the Mahayuti alliance, are currently discussing portfolio allocations.

“When Fadnavis was the deputy CM (in the previous Shinde-led government), he also held the home department. Now, Saheb has demanded the same arrangement, and talks (on portfolio allocation) are in progress,” Gogavale said.

Demand Made to Central Leadership

Gogavale further stated that the request for the home portfolio was likely conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “We hope the talks on portfolios would be over in the next two days,” he added.

The home department is considered crucial as it oversees the state police. Shinde, a seasoned leader from Thane, is reportedly firm on securing this portfolio in the newly formed government.

Background: Shinde’s Role in Maharashtra Politics

Eknath Shinde’s political journey took a pivotal turn in June 2022 when he led a rebellion against then-chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, causing a split in the Shiv Sena and the eventual collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. Shinde subsequently became chief minister with BJP’s support, while Fadnavis assumed the deputy CM role.

Following the Mahayuti’s victory in the recent assembly elections, Fadnavis returned as chief minister, with Shinde and Ajit Pawar appointed as his deputies. Reports suggest that Shinde was initially hesitant about accepting the deputy CM post but was convinced by senior Sena leaders.

The Mahayuti alliance, which registered a decisive victory in the assembly polls, is engaged in discussions over portfolio allocation to balance the interests of its three allies. Shinde’s insistence on the home department highlights its strategic importance, both administratively and politically, in Maharashtra’s governance structure.

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