After the tug of war, the BJP and Shiv Sena are seen moving towards a compromise. Sources said that a compromise formula is being worked out among the saffron allies to form the government.
Highly placed BJP sources told that the BJP is ready to give 14 cabinet berths to the Shiv Sena, while the Shiv Sena is seeking 18. The Shiv Sena is also seeking a portfolio of plum, even when Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis strongly stated that he would not participate with important home and urban development departments. However, the BJP is considering a proposal to give important portfolios like revenue and finance or Shiv Sena full PWD. A section of senior leaders, however, is against giving these departments.
The BJP has also proposed that if the Shiv Sena wishes that they can appoint one of their leaders as Deputy Chief Minister. In 2014, when the Shiv Sena joined the Devendra Fadnavis government, a 26:13:04 formula was worked out, where the BJP got 26 ministries, Sina Thirteen and other allies got four cabinet berths. In a house of 288, Maharashtra can have a maximum of 43 possible ministers.
Shiv Sena has proposed 21:18:04 formula, but BJP is not ready to give the number of ministries. Negotiations between the Shiv Sena and the BJP continue. Initially, a formula like 1995 was also proposed. In 1995, Shiv Sena got the post of Chief Ministers, while BJP got the post of Deputy Chief Minister with important departments like Home, Finance and PWD. The formula was canceled in the first round of negotiations.
