Shiv Sena Leader Says Eknath Shinde Seeks Home Portfolio in Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra Government

Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde has demanded the crucial home portfolio from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra, according to Shiv Sena MLA Bharat Gogavale. The demand comes as the three Mahayuti allies, including BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), are engaged in discussions about portfolio allocation.

Gogavale confirmed on Friday that talks are underway and that Shinde is seeking the home department, similar to the previous arrangement when Devendra Fadnavis, now the Maharashtra Chief Minister, held the position while serving as deputy CM in the earlier Shinde-led government. The Raigad MLA suggested that the demand was likely communicated to either Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Union Home Minister Amit Shah, adding that the portfolio negotiations would likely conclude in the next two days.

The Mahayuti alliance secured a decisive victory in the recent state elections, with Fadnavis taking the oath as Chief Minister alongside Shinde, Pawar, and their deputies. The swearing-in ceremony took place just 12 days after the election results were announced.

Although Shinde was initially reluctant to accept the deputy CM position, he ultimately agreed after persuasion from Shiv Sena leaders. However, he is reportedly firm on his demand for the home portfolio, overseeing the state police department. This demand follows Shinde’s dramatic rebellion in June 2022 against Uddhav Thackeray, which resulted in the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. Shinde subsequently formed a government with BJP’s support, and Fadnavis took on the deputy CM role.