Shiv Sena, a longstanding ally of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), expressed its disappointment after one of its members, Pratap Jadhav, was appointed as Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the new Narendra Modi government.
Shrirang Barne, a Shiv Sena MP, stated that they were expecting a Cabinet berth similar to Hindustani Awam Morcha’s Jitan Ram Manjhi and Janata Dal (Secular) chief HD Kumaraswamy.
Barne emphasised Shiv Sena's history of support for the central government and its long-standing alliance with the BJP. He noted that while Shiv Sena received one Minister of State seat, they had hoped for a more significant role in the Cabinet, considering their past contributions to the alliance. Barne's sentiments reflect a desire for greater representation and influence within the government.
However, Barne clarified that his views were personal and not necessarily reflective of the party's stance. He stressed that there was no animosity between Shiv Sena and the BJP, and expressing their expectations was a standard practice in coalition politics. Barne believed that a Cabinet berth for Shiv Sena would have sent a positive message to the people and reinforced the alliance's strength.
In response to queries about future Cabinet berths for Shiv Sena, Barne remained uncertain but indicated that discussions between the party leadership and the central leadership of the BJP would determine any future roles.
Meanwhile, Shrikant Shinde, another Shiv Sena leader, reiterated the party's commitment to supporting the government unconditionally. He emphasised that Shiv Sena's priority was the nation's welfare under Prime Minister Modi's leadership.
The recent Lok Sabha elections saw a shift in Maharashtra's political landscape, with the BJP's victory tally dropping to nine seats from 23 in 2019. In contrast, the Congress slightly improved its seat share, securing 13 seats in the state. The Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) won seven and one seat, respectively, bringing the NDA's total tally to 17 seats.
Despite the BJP's reduced presence in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena remains a crucial ally in the NDA coalition. While the allocation of Cabinet berths may stir internal discussions, both Shiv Sena and BJP leaders emphasise their commitment to the alliance's stability and the nation's progress.
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