Twist in Maharashtra story as Eknath Shinde decamps, Mahayuti meet called off
India TodayThe formation of the new Maharashtra government remains shrouded in uncertainty as a crucial meeting of the Mahayuti alliance, scheduled for Friday, was cancelled after caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde unexpectedly left for his village in Satara district, delaying discussions on portfolio distribution. Shinde, along with BJP's Devendra Fadnavis and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, returned to Mumbai on Friday morning after huddling with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda in Delhi. Dismissing speculation that Shinde was "upset", Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant said the former Chief Minister was treated respectfully by Amit Shah. Mahayuti allies Shiv Sena, with 57 seats, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, with 41, are reportedly focusing on securing plum cabinet berths instead, as their chances of claiming the chief minister’s post appear slim.