The CM post may be in the hands of Shiv Sena. But, the real power, as everyone knows in Maharashtra, is in the hands of NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar. Maharashtra political watchers say that Sharad Pawar is virtually dictating terms and wants a lionâs share of ministries for his party leaders. Also, he wants key ministries to be in his hands. The Maharashtra can have 43 ministers, of which, the NCP is eyeing at least 16.
The NCP is just two seats less than the Shiv Sena, which has formed the government in the state. But, Shiv Sena has bagged the CM post. While the Congress has bagged the Speaker's post, the NCP was given the Deputy CM post. The party is yet to indicate its candidate for the post. But, it wants 16 seats and give 15 to the Shiv Sena and 12 to the Congress Party. Pawar knows that no government can be formed without the NCP and is said to be playing hardball. The NCP wants both the Home and the revenue ministries.
Sharad Pawar's closest associate Jayanth Patil is likely to get the Home Ministry, while Chagan Bhujbal, who was the party's former deputy CM, could get the revenue ministry. As for his nephew Ajit Pawar, who had rebelled against him briefly before coming back to the NCP, Sharad Pawar may give him the deputy chief minister post. Both Shiv Sena and the Congress are now watching Sharad Pawar's moves with caution and alarm.
The NCP is just two seats less than the Shiv Sena, which has formed the government in the state. But, Shiv Sena has bagged the CM post. While the Congress has bagged the Speaker's post, the NCP was given the Deputy CM post. The party is yet to indicate its candidate for the post. But, it wants 16 seats and give 15 to the Shiv Sena and 12 to the Congress Party. Pawar knows that no government can be formed without the NCP and is said to be playing hardball. The NCP wants both the Home and the revenue ministries.
Sharad Pawar's closest associate Jayanth Patil is likely to get the Home Ministry, while Chagan Bhujbal, who was the party's former deputy CM, could get the revenue ministry. As for his nephew Ajit Pawar, who had rebelled against him briefly before coming back to the NCP, Sharad Pawar may give him the deputy chief minister post. Both Shiv Sena and the Congress are now watching Sharad Pawar's moves with caution and alarm.