Shinde is not unhappy, cabinet formation talks will be held today; clarifies Shiv Sena

MUMBAI: Shiv Sena has denied reports that its leader and caretaker CM Eknath Shinde is upset over the talks on the post of Maharashtra CM. The Shiv Sena made this statement after reports emerged that he had left for his village without attending the Mahayuti alliance meeting. He did not attend the meeting due to ill health. The Shiv Sena also clarified that there is a possibility of holding another meeting today.

Shinde, who returned from Delhi for cabinet talks, had gone to his hometown Satara. In this situation, talks on portfolio allocation are also being delayed. Eknath Shinde had earlier announced that the next coalition meeting related to government formation will be held in Mumbai on Friday. However, the Shiv Sena leadership has clarified that he will not be able to attend due to ill health.

Shinde attended the meeting called by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Thursday night along with Chief Minister-designate Devendra Fadnavis and NCP leader Ajit Pawar. He returned to Satara after that. The talks have been put on hold until Shinde returns.

Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant said that the talks will resume after his return today. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MLA and spokesperson Sanjay Shirsat said that Shinde is not interested in the post of Deputy Chief Minister. He said that it is not appropriate for a former Chief Minister to become Deputy Chief Minister. However, Shirsat clarified that the party wants him to be part of the government.

The BJP is likely to retain the Home Ministry and Ajit Pawar's NCP the Finance Ministry. Shinde's Shiv Sena is likely to get the Urban Development and Public Works Departments. The BJP will hold 22 cabinet portfolios. The Shiv Sena is likely to get 12 and the NCP 9.