Last update:November 29, 2024, 08:45 IST

There are chances that the new cabinet that will be formed soon will contain the names of new faces from all three parties and a few senior officials will be given rest and asked to work for the alliance.

Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde (Source: X/@mieknathshinde)

As Maharashtra awaits clarity on its chief minister and cabinet formation, a new strategy by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is creating ripples in political circles. Sources suggest that senior leaders could face exclusion in favor of younger MPs in Mahayuti’s next cabinet. The move is part of the BJP’s plan to inject new energy into the government and prepare for future elections.

After the discussion for the post of CM candidate, the trio (Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde) are likely to discuss the names of ministers from their parties who will take oath with the CM and deputy CM. After the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP central leadership had submitted a report to the trio and expressed the need for amendments. But given the debacle in the Lok Sabha polls, this was not done. Sources said that in this list, the names of some senior leaders also figured. Therefore, there are chances that the new Cabinet which will be formed soon will contain the names of new faces from the three parties and a few senior officials will be given rest and will be asked by their leaders to work for the alliance or for their respected parties .

Reports indicate that the BJP is considering a policy of prioritizing MLAs below the age of 50 for ministerial posts. The move would aim to align the government with the aspirations of young voters while ensuring strong performance in the upcoming elections.

The development has sparked anxiety among senior MPs, many of whom fear losing their ministerial places. Political insiders suggest that the BJP plans to leverage this new approach to build a more dynamic government, balancing the experience and energy of youth.

Ajit Pawar has already arrived in Delhi, while Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde are expected to arrive late this afternoon. The meeting will discuss the position of the chief minister, distribution of ministerial portfolio and power-sharing formula between the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and Ajit Pawar’s NCP. According to preliminary discussions, the Mahayuti alliance’s ministerial distribution formula could follow a 21-12-10 distribution. The BJP is expected to claim 20-25 ministerial berths, followed by 10-12 for the Shinde faction and 7-9 for Ajit Pawar’s camp.

The uncertainty around the formation of the cabinet has led to a flurry of activity at Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis’ official residence in Mumbai. Over the past two days, several MPs from the Mahayuti alliance visited Fadnavis to lobby for ministerial berths. Intense competition is reportedly underway, with many vying for coveted portfolios. On Thursday, a few NCP leaders also visited Delhi and met Ajit Pawar to lobby for themselves. The newly elected MLAs of Shiv Sena are also consciously coming to meet Eknath Shinde at his residence in Thane. Concern among MPs has increased with speculation that a significant number of senior leaders could be excluded from Cabinet.

The BJP’s focus on younger faces is seen as a strategic shift aimed at fostering new leadership while consolidating voter support among young people.

Political analysts say the BJP’s decision to prioritize young leaders reflects a calculated strategy to secure a greater foothold in Maharashtra’s political landscape. By granting greater representation to MPs under 50, the party aims to project a progressive image and prepare for long-term electoral gains. The final decision on the chief minister and cabinet composition is expected to be announced after tonight’s meeting. The State is closely monitoring the progress of these high-stakes negotiations in Delhi.