If Denied Maharashtra CM Post, What Does Eknath Shinde Want? Details Of His Demands Revealed

Amidst ongoing government formation in Maharashtra, Caretaker CM Eknath Shinde has demanded 12 key ministries. He has also sought the Legislative Council's chair.

Caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has demanded 12 important ministries in the Maharashtra government in case he is denied the Maharashtra CM's berth. At a late-night meeting with Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah on Thursday, Shinde also demanded the chairmanship of the Legislative Council.

Shinde has reportedly sought key portfolios, such as the Home Ministry and Urban Development. He also urged Amit Shah to ensure that the Shiv Sena receives "proper respect" during the allocation of ministerial berths.

No Decision On Maharashtra Deputy CM Yet

At the meeting, Eknath Shinde, Amit Shah, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, failed to reach an agreement on the deputy chief minister's role. However, Shinde is likely to have been persuaded by the BJP to take up the role, as he expressed confidence in their leadership and reiterated that the Shiv Sena remains aligned with the Mahayuti alliance.

The meeting involved discussions among top leaders of the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, the Shiv Sena, and the NCP. Despite securing a historic majority in the elections — 230 out of 288 seats — the alliance has yet to finalise its choice for chief minister. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats, while Shiv Sena and NCP won 57 and 41 seats, respectively.

Eknath Shinde On Support To BJP

Shinde reiterated that he would accept any decision made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding leadership roles in Maharashtra. Shinde also reassured Modi of his support for government formation, stating that he would not be an impediment. "If my presence is an obstacle in forming the government in Maharashtra, there should be no hesitation in making a decision," he added.

Another meeting is likely to be held on Friday to finalise the Cabinet positions and discuss power-sharing arrangements. Sources indicate that the swearing-in ceremony for the new government could take place on December 2 or 5. The BJP is reportedly seeking around 20 Cabinet berths, with Shinde's Shiv Sena likely to receive more than Ajit Pawar's NCP.

As discussions continue, speculation mounts about Devendra Fadnavis returning as Chief Minister following his previous tenure from 2014 to 2019.