In Squabble Over Minister Berths, Ajit Pawar, Eknath Shinde's Waiting Game
Running a coalition government is no easy feat, as evidenced by Monday morning's discord between the BJP and its Maharashtra allies. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's NCP group found themselves at odds, shedding light on the challenges within the alliance.
A remarkable 71 MPs, primarily from the BJP and a few allied parties, were sworn in following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unprecedented third oath-taking ceremony. However, Maharashtra's representation was modest, with only five MPs, a stark contrast to the BJP-led NDA's lackluster performance in the state, securing just 17 out of 48 Lok Sabha seats.
Within this small contingent, four MPs hail from the BJP, while the fifth, Prataprao Jadhav from the Shinde Sena, assumed a junior ministerial position. Notably, a similar offer extended to Praful Patel of the NCP was declined, citing it as a "demotion."
The NCP insists that Patel's prior experience as a cabinet minister warrants a higher-ranking post. Ajit Pawar affirmed his party's readiness to wait for a cabinet berth, highlighting their ongoing negotiations with the BJP.
Despite these tensions, both the NCP and the Shinde Sena affirm their support for the BJP, understanding the fragile nature of the coalition government. Devendra Fadnavis, senior BJP leader, hinted at considering an upgraded post for the NCP in the future cabinet expansion.
Amidst these deliberations, the Shinde Sena, initially demanding three ministerial positions, eventually settled for one. However, they anticipate their "share" in the upcoming cabinet expansion.
Navigating these intricate power dynamics poses a challenge for the BJP, especially considering the existing demands from both the NCP and the Shinde Sena. With the union cabinet nearing its maximum capacity, accommodating these requests presents a logistical hurdle for Prime Minister Modi.
While the BJP has secured two cabinet berths and two junior positions for its Maharashtra MPs, the unequal distribution of seats among coalition partners complicates the equation. With the Lok Sabha majority secured primarily through NDA allies, the BJP must carefully balance their interests to maintain stability in the government.