Shiv Sena Pushes 50:50 Formula For Maharashtra CM’s Post

Shiv Sena stakes claim to Maharashtra CM’s post for 2.5 years. Party leaders say the formula was already discussed.

From left to right: BJP President Amit Shah, Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

(Photo: Altered by The Quint)

They may have returned to power after receiving majority numbers, but allies Shiv Sena and BJP are yet to hash out details of the alliance going ahead. Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday, 26 October, held a meeting with Party MLAs discussing the 50:50 formula of power-sharing agreed upon with the BJP’s senior leadership during the Lok Sabha polls.

As part of the formula, the BJP and Sena would each have their own party leader appointed the Chief Minister of Maharashtra in rotation for the next five years.

“In our meeting, it was decided that like Amit Shah ji had promised 50-50 formula before LS polls, similarly both allies should get chance to run the government for 2.5-2.5 years so Shiv Sena should also have CM. Uddhav ji should get this assurance in writing from BJP.”

MLA Pratap Sarnaik to ANI

The BJP-Sena alliance won a total of 161 seats in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. While BJP won 105 seats, the Shiv Sena bagged 56. Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray chaired the first meeting with party leaders since the poll results were announced, at his Matoshree residence today.

MLAs reportedly made it clear that they want to see Sena youth wing president and now MLA, Aditya Thackeray, in the chief minister’s chair. Aaditya Thackeray won from the Worli constituency by a massive margin of 67,427 votes.

It was, however, agreed upon that the final decision would be Uddhav Thackeray’s.

While addressing the media on 24 October, Uddhav too had clarified that the Shiv Sena would soon meet Amit Shah and other senior BJP leaders to plan out the execution of the agreed-upon formula.

Meanwhile, weighing in on the situation, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar hinted that the party could consider an alliance only if Shiv Sena is the first to approach.

“Ball is in BJP’s court, it is up to Shiv Sena to decide if they want a 5 year CM or wait for BJP’s response on 2.5-year CM demand. If Sena’s proposal comes to us, we will discuss with high command.”

Vijay Wadettiwar, Congress leader to ANI