Mumbai: A day after caretaker CM Eknath Shinde said the power sharing formula in Mahayuti, barring the CM post, would be ironed out during talks with BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis and NCP’s Ajit Pawar, a meeting of the three leaders via video conferencing was expected to be held on Monday evening but it didn’t take place. A senior Sena functionary said the party is waiting for a call from BJP to be invited to the meeting since it has gone ahead and announced that the new govt will be sworn in on Dec 5.
Later, Fadnavis’s confidant Girish Mahajan called on Shinde, who has been unwell, at his home. He clarified that he only enquired about Shinde’s health and “did not discuss politics”. “We are all together in Mahayuti. Shinde will be there for the swearing-in ceremony,” he said.
Ajit Pawar travelled to Delhi during the day, while Fadnavis stayed in Mumbai, engaging with party leaders. Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat said it was possible that Shinde, Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar would have a meeting late on Monday or Tuesday. “The power sharing formula will be decided at the meeting.” Reiterating Shinde’s stand, he said, “Who will be the CM will be decided by the BJP brass. Whoever it picks will have Sena’s complete support.”
Mahajan told reporters after his visit to Shinde’s home that he had sought an appointment with him five to six days ago but because the caretaker CM was unwell and in his native village, he could not meet him. “He has a throat infection and fever and is on saline. His health will improve [by Tuesday] and as caretaker CM, he will take part in official meetings. All issues concerning cabinet berths and portfolios will be discussed by senior leaders.”
BJP has been firm so far that the CM be from its party. “Since the leaders of the allies are seasoned politicians, BJP will select an experienced MLA for the CM’s post,” said a source, hinting at Fadnavis as the favourite.
BJP sources said discussions on portfolio distribution will now be held after the swearing-in ceremony on Dec 5 at Azad Maidan, where preparations for it are underway. Sena MLA Deepak Kesarkar said the party has not been informed about the ceremony. “We were not told about the swearing-in ceremony. Had [BJP] told us, we could have also gone to the venue. Due to this, there is a misunderstanding. We are all in Mahayuti. The swearing-in ceremony is organised by govt. The party that is coming to power goes and checks if the arrangements are right. So, BJP has overseen the arrangements.”
Sena MLA Bharat Gogawale said Shinde doesn’t want to join the Mahayuti govt as deputy CM but party functionaries have urged him to join the govt nevertheless.
Shinde is yet to meet his MLAs after returning from his meeting with Union home minister Amit Shah in Delhi. The senior Sena functionary rubbished reports that he cancelled a meeting of party leaders scheduled for Monday. Sena MLA Dada Bhuse, who is said to be a frontrunner for the deputy CM’s post if Shinde doesn’t join govt, also said no such meeting of Sena MLAs was planned.