Eknath Shinde Is In Better Position To Negotiate?

 Eknath Shinde is currently in a more advantageous position when it comes to negotiations regarding his continued claim to the Chief Ministership of Maharashtra. Reports indicate that he has garnered significant support, including the backing of 57 MLA and seven Members of Parliament (MPs). In a surprising move, Shinde declined to accept the offer to serve as Deputy Chief Minister with a home portfolio in the newly formed government, later opting against a cabinet minister position at the central level source says. These decisions underscore Shinde's strategic positioning within the political landscape. The BJP leadership is acutely aware that should Shinde and fellow politician Naidy decide to sever ties with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), it could lead to serious repercussions for the central government, which currently operates with a tenuous majority of just 21 seats source says. This precarious situation places considerable bargaining power in the hands of Shinde and his seven MPs. By refusing lower-level roles and maintaining a firm stance, Shinde has demonstrated himself to be a shrewd negotiator, adept at leveraging his current political influence for more significant advantages. This approach highlights not only his determination to secure a favorable outcome but also his understanding of the complex dynamics at play within both state and national politics source says.