Mumbai: The Maharashtra jigsaw puzzle is falling in place: the first indication of this came with the BJP outreach and the Devendra Fadnavis-Eknath Shinde ice-breaker at the caretaker CM’s official residence Varsha. The outreach – just before the BJP legislative party was due to elect its leader — was immediately seen as an attempt by the elder brother (read BJP) to retrieve the situation, which had almost veered to a point of no return.

Although the details of the meeting that lasted close to 45 minutes were not known, both the leaders were meeting for the first time after their photo op with Home Minister Amit Shah. Though for Devendra Fadnavis the meeting was a necessary prelude to formally staking claim and reclaiming the Chief Minister’s chair, for Shinde and his bruised ego it was a much-needed political balm.

If the meeting with Shah was all about optics, this one was all about political symbolism and the message the Shiv Sena chief wanted to send to his political constituency. With the decks cleared for the coalition government, it is now a matter of reconciling differences over the sticking points – the key portfolios and Shinde’s ‘face-saver.’

By nighttime, a tentative list of ministerial candidates was doing the rounds, giving a glimpse into the possible composition of this fragile coalition. While Ajit Pawar of the NCP is almost certain to take the Deputy Chief Minister’s post, questions loom over whether Eknath Shinde will accept a similar role.

Shinde’s faction has staked its claim to significant portfolios, including Home, Revenue, and Public Works, making it clear they will not settle for anything less. The Sena has some names up its sleeve, including stalwarts like Shinde himself, Dada Bhuse, Shambhuraj Desai, and Sanjay Rathod. Meanwhile, the BJP’s prospective lineup boasts of heavyweights like Ashish Shelar, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, and Pankaja Munde. Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction has its own ‘stars’ – leaders like Aditi Tatkare, Chhagan Bhujbal, and Hasan Mushrif.

Demands Turn The Allocation Process Into A Test Of Political Brinkmanship

Each party’s demands have turned the portfolio allocation process into a test of political brinkmanship. The NCP is lobbying for 11 ministerial positions, including seven cabinet berths and a central post for Praful Patel. Simultaneously, the BJP—holding a majority in the alliance—is adamant about retaining critical departments like Home and Finance, deeming them as non-negotiable. Shinde’s lieutenants like Deepak Kesarkar and Uday Samant are pressing hard for plum posts including control of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation and Urban Development.

Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar has leveraged his enviable position to secure assurances from Amit Shah. Pawar’s deft maneuvering is aimed at ensuring his faction retains the Finance Department, a portfolio critical to the NCP’s relevance in the government. As the December 5 swearing-in ceremony approaches, the power-sharing formula is beginning to crystallize. The BJP’s takeaway is 21-22 ministries, including Home and Revenue, and the Speaker’s post; for Shiv Sena, it is 12 ministries, including Urban Development, with eyes riveted on the Legislative Council Chairman’s position; for NCP, the bait is 9-10 ministries, including Finance and Deputy Speaker.

Eknath Shinde Softens His Stance Following Intense Back-Channel Negotiations

Shinde, after initial reluctance to accept the Deputy Chief Minister’s post, appears to have softened his stance following intense back-channel negotiations. The BJP, given its pre-eminent position, has played the kingmaker’s role with calculated precision. Fadnavis’ insistence on retaining the Home and Revenue ministries underscores his intent to keep Maharashtra’s administrative levers firmly in his hands. His political acumen has been instrumental in balancing the competing demands of the alliance partners. Shinde’s maneuvers—from retreating to his village citing ill health to sending emissaries for last minute negotiations—have highlighted his determination to safeguard the Shiv Sena’s clout. Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar has proven yet again why he is regarded as one of Maharashtra’s sharpest political operators, securing critical gains for his faction while keeping up the pretense of coalition dharma.

As preparations for the grand ceremony at Azad Maidan reach a crescendo, the Mahayuti alliance is seeking to project a united face. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior NDA leaders are expected to attend, lending weight to the coalition’s legitimacy. Yet, beneath the veneer, the warts are showing. The Maharashtra chessboard has seen brilliant gambits marked by ambition, negotiation, and compromise. As Fadnavis, Shinde, and Pawar prepare to take their oaths, the state’s political landscape has changed its contours. The ensuing months will test the Mahayuti’s resilience, with each partner continuing to maneuver for greater spoils on this high-stakes chessboard.