The formation of the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra has encountered a hurdle regarding the Home Department, which could lead to a delay in the swearing-in of the new government. At present, the Home Department is with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. However, Eknath Shinde, in the new government, is seeking control of the Home Department. During a lengthy meeting with Amit Shah, it was made clear to Shinde that, he could get any department besides Finance, Home, and Personnel departments.

Ajit Pawar has agreed to take up the position of deputy chief minister with the finance department. According to sources, a detailed discussion on departments took place in a meeting with Amit Shah that lasted late into Thursday night. BJP President JP Nadda, Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar attended the meeting.

During the meeting, it was clearly stated to Shinde that this time the Chief Minister would be from the BJP, and he would be given the position of Deputy Chief Minister. On accepting the Deputy Chief Minister's position, Shinde laid down the condition of being assigned the Home Department.

Shinde's Demand for Home Department Rejected; Meeting Delayed

Shinde insisted that, just like Devendra Fadnavis held the Home Department while being Deputy Chief Minister, it should now be assigned to him as well. However, Amit Shah denied this request. The Mahayuti leaders were expected to meet after returning to Mumbai to discuss the formation of the new government. However, Eknath Shinde, upset, abruptly left for his village in Satara, causing the meeting to be delayed.

A close associate of Eknath Shinde stated that there is no issue of displeasure and that he will return to Mumbai on Saturday. This could, however, lead to a delay in the formation of the new government. It is believed that on Saturday, JP Nadda will announce the observers for selecting the leader of the BJP legislative party. On Sunday, a meeting of the legislative party may take place, where Devendra Fadnavis could be elected as the leader.

Two Possible Dates for New Government’s Swearing-In

Two dates are being considered for the swearing-in of the new government. If everything goes smoothly and Eknath Shinde agrees easily, the swearing-in could take place on December 2 (Monday). Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are engaged in a meeting with police directors until Sunday.

If there is a delay in convincing Shinde, the ceremony may take place on December 5 (Thursday). However, Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant denied the reports of Eknath Shinde being upset and clarified that the party chief will return from his ancestral village tomorrow, and the new cabinet will soon be finalized.