Nagpur.
After much dilly dallying over power sharing in the newly formed government in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena appears to be removing the hurdles to make its way to the ruling party BJP. If sources are to be believed the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has cleared the clumsy areas of power network making it easier for Sena to relent.
This has been echoed in the statement of Fadnavis on Monday when he said that both the parties are moving in right direction and the blockages are cleared upto 80 per cent. He said, “At this moment I can state that we have completed 80 per cent discussions. Now, only 20 per cent discussions are left.” Fadnavis said. However the bone of contention lies in the post of home minister and deputy chief minister which Shiv Sena has been pressing for.
The Sena wants some heavy portfolio which can be a suitable replacement to ministry of home and deputy chief minister post. The BJP is also willing to consider Sena’s demand positively. Sources said the Shiv Sena has been already offered public works department, water resources and ministry of agriculture.
At the moment BJP’s prime concern is stabilize its government with support from Shiv Sena. On the other hand, the Shiv Sena is also under pressure to join the Fadnavis government. The BJP has already offered them ten to eleven ministerial berths including five to six cabinet rank.
Fadnavis also urged both BJP and Shiv Sena leaders not to make any statement out of turn that would affect the ongoing process. The chief minister said, “I would like to appeal leaders of both BJP and Sena not to make any statement. Only those leaders who are involved in the discussions should speak.” The cabinet is likely to have 32 to 35 ministers. Currently there is only nine council of ministers lead by Fadnavis. The cabinet expansion will also have at least ten to 12 new BJP ministers.
