After NCP, Shiv Sena Voices Discontent Over Ministerial Positions In Modi 3.0 Government

The Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde expressed its dissatisfaction on Monday with the cabinet berth allocations in the newly established government led by Narendra Modi, citing perceived 'partiality' in the assignment of ministerial roles within the governing coalition.

This statement was made a day after the NCP, under Ajit Pawar's leadership, declared that the party would prefer to wait for a Cabinet position instead of accepting the Minister of State role offered by the BJP.

Shiv Sena Party Leader in Lok Sabha, Shrikant Shinde, underscored the party's steadfast support for the BJP-led NDA, unequivocally stating there was no power bargaining involved.

Prataprao Jadhav from the Shinde Sena was the only member to be sworn in as a Minister of State with independent charge in the new Modi government on Sunday. He has been assigned the AYUSH ministry and the role of Minister of State for Health.

Shrirang Barne, an MP of Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, pointed out that although Shiv Sena won seven seats in the recent Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, other parties with fewer seats were granted Cabinet positions.

"We were expecting at least one Cabinet and one MOS berth for Shiv Sena which is the oldest ally of BJP," he said.

Notably, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP on Sunday refused to accept the Minister of State offer from BJP, demanding a Cabinet berth for Rajya Sabha member Praful Patel due to his experience.

Barne said the Shinde Sena had won seven seats of 15 it contested, whereas BJP bagged nine of 28.

He cited examples such as HD Kumaraswamy of JD(S) and Jitan Ram Manjhi, who were made Union cabinet ministers despite their parties winning fewer seats than Shiv Sena.

"We were expecting that Shiv Sena would get a Cabinet ministry, but even parties that won only one seat received Cabinet berths. For example, HD Kumaraswamy of JD(S), whose two MPs got elected, secured two berths, and Jitan Ram Manjhi, who won one seat from Bihar, was also given a Cabinet berth," Barne told reporters.

He also mentioned the deserving candidate of BJP's Udayanraje Bhosale for a Cabinet position.

Alleging partiality in the distribution of Cabinet berths, Barne claimed that after JD(U) and TDP, Shiv Sena is the third largest ally of the BJP.

Expressing discontent over the Cabinet berth allocation, he urged for fair treatment for Shiv Sena, especially considering the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra.

"Chirag Paswan, whose party won five seats, was also given a Cabinet berth. But Shiv Sena got only one MOS berth. I feel that there is partiality against Shiv Sena. Considering that we will face assembly elections together in the next three months, it is expected that Sena should get fair treatment," he added.

Shiv Sena's stance on supporting the government unconditionally was reiterated, with the party emphasising the need for Prime Minister Modi to continue the nation-building efforts.

The party's commitment to the NDA and its support for the government's leadership was highlighted amid the ongoing discussions about cabinet allocations.

Shrikant Shinde, meanwhile, stated, "We have already made it clear that we are supporting the government unconditionally. This nation has asked and needs the leadership of Prime Minister Modi ji. There's no bargaining or negotiation for power."

"We have extended unconditional support to an ideological coalition. We want Prime Minister Modi to carry forward the noble work of nation-building. The party, all MLAs and MPs are faithfully committed to the NDA," he added.

Eknath Shinde had split with the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and joined the BJP-led government in June 2022 with a bulk of MLAs loyal to him. Subsequently, he took oath as the chief minister.