Thu Dec 05 14:30:31 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra Coalition Govt: Dispute Over Cabinet Berths Erupts
**Mumbai, December 4, 2024:** Tensions are rising within Maharashtra’s newly formed Maha Vikas Aghadi government over the allocation of cabinet portfolios. The Ajit Pawar faction is demanding cabinet positions be allocated based on the “strike rate” – the percentage of seats won relative to seats contested – in the recent assembly elections.
The BJP boasts the highest strike rate, followed by the Shinde Sena, with the Ajit Pawar faction in third place. However, the difference between the Shinde Sena and the Ajit Pawar faction is minimal, prompting the Pawar faction to demand an equal number of ministerial berths as the Shinde Sena.
Senior Ajit Pawar faction leader and former minister Chhagan Bhujbal stated, “The BJP is number one based on the strike rate. There’s little difference between our party’s and the Shinde Sena’s strike rates. Therefore, we deserve as many ministerial berths as the Shinde Sena.” Bhujbal added that discussions with Ajit Pawar indicated a potential for similar cabinet representation for both factions, with minor variations.
However, this demand has been met with opposition from Shinde Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat, who questioned the sudden emphasis on the strike rate, questioning why the Lok Sabha strike rate wasn’t considered. He stressed that the number of MLAs elected should determine the allocation of ministerial posts, not the strike rate.
Sources suggest that the final cabinet positions and portfolio allocation will be decided based on the number of MLAs elected, not the strike rate, potentially resolving the conflict. The difference in strike rates between the Shinde Sena and Ajit Pawar factions is only 0.88%, further diminishing the potential for major disagreement. While the swearing-in ceremony is imminent, this dispute highlights the early challenges facing the coalition government.
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