Mumbai:
The Congress and the NCP may have picked their men for the top jobs in Maharashtra, but trouble between the allies is fast brewing. Both parties want a larger share of the ministerial pie, and on Monday the NCP made it clear that if didn't have its way, it could choose not to join the government.
Chhagan Bhujbal is set to remain Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, beating Sharad Pawar's own nephew Ajit Pawar to the post.
His first words were a threat to the Congress: "Give us half the cabinet seats or we won't join the government."
This is an election where the Congress has outdone the NCP by 20 seats, and demanded a greater share of portfolios.
"We have not received any proposal from the Congress. If they want us to join the government, we want a repeat of the 1999 formula. Of course we will always support the Congress," said Bhujbal.
Beyond its differences with the Congress, the NCP is set to see trouble within.
"There are a number of contenders - Bhujbal, R R Patil and me too," said Ajit Pawar.
This time Ajit Pawar had made a public bid for the Deputy Chief Minister's post and his exclusion could be Sharad Pawar's attempt to clip his wings, and send the message that the NCP was not all about dynasty.
Publicly the party attempted to paper over differences.
"This happens in all parties. It was a unanimous decision," said Bhujbal.
Pawar will now have to fight his next battle on two separate fronts. At least in the case of his nephew, he's made a clear choice.
Chhagan Bhujbal is set to remain Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, beating Sharad Pawar's own nephew Ajit Pawar to the post.
His first words were a threat to the Congress: "Give us half the cabinet seats or we won't join the government."
This is an election where the Congress has outdone the NCP by 20 seats, and demanded a greater share of portfolios.
"We have not received any proposal from the Congress. If they want us to join the government, we want a repeat of the 1999 formula. Of course we will always support the Congress," said Bhujbal.
Beyond its differences with the Congress, the NCP is set to see trouble within.
"There are a number of contenders - Bhujbal, R R Patil and me too," said Ajit Pawar.
This time Ajit Pawar had made a public bid for the Deputy Chief Minister's post and his exclusion could be Sharad Pawar's attempt to clip his wings, and send the message that the NCP was not all about dynasty.
Publicly the party attempted to paper over differences.
"This happens in all parties. It was a unanimous decision," said Bhujbal.
Pawar will now have to fight his next battle on two separate fronts. At least in the case of his nephew, he's made a clear choice.
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