Maharashtra Power Struggle Intensifies Over Cabinet Portfolios

Weeks after Mahayuti's election win, disputes over key ministries delay cabinet expansion as Eknath Shinde's absence signals internal dissent.

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, which secured a decisive victory in the Maharashtra elections, is yet to finalize cabinet portfolio allocations among its three partners: BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar held meetings in Delhi with central BJP leaders to address unresolved disputes over key ministries, including Home, Finance, and Urban Development.
Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde, now Deputy Chief Minister, has stayed back in Thane, reportedly dissatisfied with the BJP's reluctance to grant him the Home portfolio, which is seen as crucial for political influence in the state.
The BJP is set to retain the Home and Revenue ministries, while the Finance portfolio is expected to go to the NCP, and Urban Development to the Shiv Sena, though final confirmations are pending.
The cabinet expansion is tentatively expected on December 14, but disagreements over portfolio distribution and internal party dynamics could delay the process further.