Mumbai: With the BJP inclined to offer the post of deputy chief minister to ally Shiv Sena in the upcoming cabinet expansion, a handful of party leaders, itching for the post, have thrown their hats in the ring. All eyes are, of course, on Shiv Sena supremo Uddhav Thackeray, who will take the final call. From all accounts, Subhash Desai, the senior-most minister in Shiv Sena, is the frontrunner. But his name is being opposed by many MLAs and leaders. Despite the defeat in the 2014 Assembly polls, Desai was rewarded with the post of cabinet minister and given a plum portfolio like industry. Since he is a close confidante of the Thackeray family, the cards are stacked in his favour.
But cabinet minister Eknath Shinde could play a spoilsport. He is eyeing the post and is considered a very strong leader with a mass base. He had ensured victory in all the four seats of Lok Sabha in Thane and Palghar districts. Eknath Shinde became leader of the opposition when the BJP formed the government in the state on their own in 2014. It was then being said that Shinde may leave the Shiv Sena with 10 to 12 MLAs and join the BJP. This fear finally forced the Shiv Sena to join the government. Shiv Sena wants the Deputy Chief Minister’s post to impress its core voters that they have a strong say in the Fadnavis government. The recent Lok Sabha results have shown a 4 per cent increase in the vote share of the Shiv Sena, as against that in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
In 1995, the Shiv Sena, being the single-largest party, held the Chief Minister’s post and the BJP, being the junior partner, had the Deputy Chief Minister’s post. Shiv Sena is now pressing for implementation of this 1995 model in the State. Some people not favourably disposed towards Subhash Desai are also projecting Aaditya Thackeray for the post. But since Aaditya has never contested any election and is inexperienced in administration, the Shiv Sena may receive flak for nominating him to the key post. That partially explains the Shiv Sena dilemma over selection of a leader for this key government post.
CABINET BERTHS
Within the Shiv Sena, there are a large number of aspirants for Cabinet posts. Rajesh Kshirsagar, senior MLA from the Shiv Sena, is considered to be a strong contender. He played a key role in the victory of two Shiv Sena candidates in the 2019 Lok Sabha election from Kolhapur district. Jaydutt Kshirsagar, NCP MLA, who joined the Shiv Sena recently, is also being considered for a cabinet berth from the Shiv Sena quota.
But some Sena leaders are opposing his inclusion and demanding that loyalists should be rewarded with a cabinet post. Arjun Khotkar, who played a key role in the victory of BJP State President Raosaheb Danve and is currently Minister of State, may be elevated and get cabinet rank. Madan Yerawar, BJP MLA from Yavatmal district and Minister of State, may be promoted; and Ashish Shelar, Mumbai BJP President, may get a cabinet berth.
