BJP To Keep Half Maharashtra Cabinet, Shinde Sena May Get Consolation Deal

After days of political posturing by Sena leaders, Eknath Shinde yesterday announced that his party would support the decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on the next Maharashtra Chief Minister

The BJP will likely give 12 Maharashtra cabinet berths, including three big-ticket portfolios, to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena to make up for the Chief Minister post, according to sources. The Ajit Pawar-led NCP, the third party in the Mahayuti alliance, may get nine seats in the cabinet, the sources added. Maharashtra can have a maximum of 43 ministers, including the Chief Minister, and the BJP is likely to keep half of the berths to itself. 

Mr Shinde, who has grudgingly accepted the BJP's decision to name the Chief Minister from its ranks, is likely to get three key ministries -- Urban Development, Public Works Department and Water Resources. NDTV had earlier reported that the new Chief Minister will be from the BJP and two Deputy Chief Ministers -- one each from Sena and NCP -- may be named. Ajit Pawar, sources have said, has told his party leaders that the swearing-in ceremony could be held this weekend.

Shinde Caves In, Team Thackeray Responds