BJP Responds to Shiv Sena Comments: Govt Formation Talks Not Influenced by Media
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Mumbai, Nov 30 (NationPress) As the MahaYuti coalition partners continue to struggle to reach an agreement on the distribution of Cabinet positions and ministry allocations, the BJP firmly rejected the Shiv Sena, asserting that negotiations for government formation are not dictated by media reports or public declarations.
The BJP has shown dissatisfaction with the remarks made by leaders of Shiv Sena concerning the assignment of the Home portfolio to their party, particularly if Eknath Shinde were to accept a role as deputy chief minister.
"No discussions regarding government formation are based on media statements or conducted through public media appearances. Decisions will solely be made by Caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde along with Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar."
These three leaders will convene to deliberate and arrive at conclusions, which will then be sanctioned by the BJP's central leadership. It’s quite straightforward. What I communicated to the press or what anyone else said, or a media byte, does not initiate discussions for government formation. A government cannot be established in this fashion," stated Chandrashekhar Bawankule, the Maharashtra unit BJP chief.
Previously, Sanjay Shirsat, a leader from Shiv Sena, remarked: "Devendra Fadnavis previously held the deputy chief minister position and was responsible for the home department. Now, as the BJP is set to occupy the chief minister role, if Shiv Sena is to receive the deputy chief minister position, the party should also be entitled to the Home Minister role."
He, however, dismissed rumors suggesting that Eknath Shinde is dissatisfied with the BJP over the distribution of the Chief Minister and Home portfolios.
Shirsat’s comments followed a consensus reached between the BJP, Shiv Sena, and the NCP after their meeting with Amit Shah, the Home Minister, which resulted in Devendra Fadnavis being appointed as the Chief Minister of the new MahaYuti administration.
This agreement came after Eknath Shinde declared his commitment to adhere to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decisions regarding the chief ministerial position.
Additionally, Bawankule’s recent comments are significant as Shiv Sena is vigorously advocating for key departments, including Home, Urban Development, Education, Cultural Affairs, Water Supply, Health, Transport, and more.
Nonetheless, the BJP has indicated to Shiv Sena that while it will retain the Home department, it is open to discussions regarding the allocation of other ministries.
Notably, the BJP, possessing 132 seats in the 288-member state Assembly, is eager to secure crucial departments such as home, revenue, energy, housing, rural development, water resources, forest, OBC welfare, tourism, and general administration.
In contrast, the NCP supports the allocation of departments like planning and finance, cooperation, women and child welfare, food and civil supply, minority affairs, medical education, and tribal development.
Shinde, Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar were scheduled to meet on Friday to deliberate on several matters concerning the distribution of Cabinet positions, ministry allocations, and the sharing of roles in various government entities.
However, the meeting was canceled after Shinde departed for his hometown, Dare, in Satara district. Sources from the MahaYuti coalition indicated that discussions might occur on Monday.
The BJP is anticipated to organize a meeting of its legislators to elect its legislature party leader in the presence of central party representatives. Subsequently, the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP will collectively approach Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan to claim the formation of the government in the state.
Meanwhile, Shirsat mentioned that Shinde visits Dare whenever he has significant decisions to make.
"Nevertheless, the caretaker Chief Minister has affirmed in a press conference that he will not obstruct government formation and Shiv Sena will respect the decisions made by the BJP leadership," he stated.
Shirsat has criticized the Opposition's claims that there is no government, asserting that the MahaYuti partners, despite their substantial electoral victory, are struggling to finalize a government.
"It appears the opposition is unaware that Eknath Shinde is a caretaker chief minister. The government continues to function in its capacity," he concluded.
