After the informal communication for power-sharing formula between the BJP and Shiv Sena for a 50-50 ruling of the government in Maharashtra, the latter indicated that it would want key portfolios such as home, urban development, and revenue in lieu of chief ministership.
However, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is unlikelyto concede key departments such as home, finance and urban development, theSena could be offered revenue, housing and rural development portfolios for itsministers.
At a time, when it has been insisted that the BJP willkeep the chief ministership for the entire five-year tenure of the government,Fadnavis on Tuesday said that the two sides have been discussing thepower-sharing formula informally.
Insiders from both the camps said there have been informal communication about the number of ministerial berths and sharing of portfolios. With the BJP being firm on not sharing the chief minister's post, the Shiv Sena has indicated it would want an equal number of ministerial berths and key portfolios in the government. The party wants a few of the strategically important departments in the government, including home, urban development, revenue, public works, and housing.
Moreover, a close aide of Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said that it is clear that the BJP cannot form a government without us. In that case, they must make us equal partners in power. That means conceding some key departments that play an important role in the state. They are not willing to settle for a raw deal if they are not getting chief ministership.
