Eknath Shinde Confirmed as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister
Dec 05, 2024 03:25 PM IST – Mumbai: After days of suspense, caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has finally agreed to take oath as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra. The announcement was made by party leader Uday Samant on Thursday. Shinde’s decision comes after a series of meetings and negotiations with top political leaders in the state.
Hesitation and Negotiations
Initially, Shinde hesitated to confirm his cabinet position due to the BJP’s reluctance to meet his demands for the home portfolio as the deputy chief minister and the assembly speaker position for his party legislator. However, after discussions with senior BJP leader Girish Mahajan and pressure from Shiv Sena MLAs, Shinde finally accepted the deputy chief minister position.
Pending Portfolio Distribution
Despite Shinde’s acceptance, the distribution of portfolios among the coalition partners remains unresolved. A senior Shiv Sena leader mentioned that the power-sharing pact, including the number of ministers and portfolio distribution, would be finalized in the coming days. The current plan is for the top three leaders to take oath today, with further details to be ironed out later.
Swearing-In Ceremony Details
The official swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 5:30 pm today at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn in as the chief minister, with Shinde and Ajit Pawar taking oaths as deputy chief ministers. The event is expected to be attended by key political figures and supporters.
This breaking news highlights the intricate dynamics of coalition politics and the importance of negotiations in forming a stable government. As Maharashtra prepares for a new leadership structure, the decisions made by Eknath Shinde could have a significant impact on the state’s governance. Stay tuned for further updates on the portfolio distribution and the implications for Maharashtra’s political landscape.
