Eknath Shinde still sulking?

Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is reportedly dissatisfied with the distribution of significant portfolios. In anticipation of the cabinet expansion within the Mahayuti government, the CM-turned-DyCM chose not to travel to New Delhi on December 11 while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar proceeded to the national capital.

Before the swearing-in ceremony, while sources in the Shiv Sena had said that Shinde's demand for the home portfolio was a whisper campaign by the BJP, his continuing game of absentia lends credence to that rumour.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to retain control of the home ministry, which has become a contentious issue with the Shiv Sena. Shinde has expressed a strong interest in obtaining the state's Ministry of Home Affairs since he took the oath as deputy chief minister in the current administration.

The cabinet expansion in Maharashtra is anticipated to occur on December 16, with the government permitted to have a total of 43 ministries, including that of the chief minister. Reports indicate that all three parties within the Mahayuti—BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP — are engaged in intense negotiations.

Sources indicate that a formal meeting involving the three leaders — Chief Minister Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Shinde and Ajit Pawar — was planned for Wednesday in Delhi to finalize the allocation of portfolios. However, Shinde reportedly chose to remain behind.

A Shiv Sena leader remarked, "The Shiv Sena perceives that the BJP is systematically attempting to diminish its influence within the government. They are not only denying Shinde the Home Ministry but are also unwilling to concede the Revenue, Industries, and Housing portfolios requested by the party in the new administration."

A report in The Indian Express indicates that the Shiv Sena suspects the BJP and NCP are collaborating to diminish its influence within the Mahayuti government.

Clear signs of a sullen Eknath Shinde

Shinde is reportedly dissatisfied with the NCP's assertion over the Housing portfolio, which was previously held by the BJP in the last Mahayuti administration.

On December 5, during a grand oath-taking ceremony at Mumbai's historic Azad Maidan, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis was inaugurated as the chief minister of Maharashtra for a third term. Shinde and Pawar also took their oaths as deputy chief ministers at this high-profile event, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior BJP officials.

As the largest party with 132 MLAs, the BJP is anticipated to oversee 20 departments. Reports suggest that both the Shiv Sena and NCP will manage ten ministries each.

The BJP is set to retain the Maharashtra Ministry of Home Affairs, while the Public Works Department (PWD) and Urban Development (UD) may be allocated to the Shinde faction. Additionally, it is expected that Ajit Pawar will maintain control of the Finance portfolio, according to the reports.