Thu Dec 05 13:37:06 UTC 2024: ## Shinde Sworn in as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister After Days of Uncertainty

**Mumbai, December 5, 2024** – Eknath Shinde was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Thursday evening, ending weeks of speculation about his role in the new BJP-led government. The oath-taking ceremony followed the earlier swearing-in of Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister for a third term, solidifying the BJP’s dominance in the newly formed Mahayuti alliance.

Shinde’s acceptance of the Deputy Chief Minister’s post came after days of intense negotiations and apparent last-minute hesitation. Earlier in the day, reports suggested he was reconsidering his position, potentially in a bid to secure more favorable cabinet positions for his faction of the Shiv Sena. However, Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant ultimately confirmed Shinde’s participation in the government, stating that no Shinde Sena leader would join without him. Other party leaders, including Sanjay Shirsat, also publicly appealed to Shinde to accept the offer.

The uncertainty surrounding Shinde’s decision followed a period where he and his party initially claimed the Chief Minister’s post for themselves. Sources indicated that he was eventually persuaded to step aside in favor of Fadnavis. The BJP’s commanding position in the state assembly, holding 132 seats plus the support of Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, gave them considerable leverage in the negotiations.

While the BJP offered Shinde’s faction approximately 12 cabinet positions, including potentially high-profile ministries like Home Affairs and Water Resources, sources suggest some within the Shinde Sena remain unhappy with playing a secondary role despite their contributions to the Mahayuti’s election victory.

The final agreement resolves nearly two weeks of political maneuvering and criticism from the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, who mocked the BJP’s apparent inability to form a government swiftly. The BJP’s decision to include Shinde, despite its numerical advantage, likely reflects a desire to maintain a stable coalition government and avoid repeating the image of fractured alliances from 2019.

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