The Maharashtra government has implemented new rules of business that authorize Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to override decisions made by any minister. This power can be exercised if the Chief Minister deems the action to be in the public interest, with a requirement that the reasons for such decisions are documented in writing.
The government views this as an administrative and legal reform. However, politically, it could significantly impact the balance of power between Fadnavis and Shinde.
Given this scenario, questions are being raised in political circles: have these new rules been introduced merely to address a legal loophole, or is the aim also to further strengthen the chief minister’s position within the coalition government? its political implications are far more significant While this may appear to be a change aimed at clarifying administrative procedures. Under the new rules, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been granted explicit authority to intervene in and alter decisions made by any minister if deemed to be in the public interest. The government views this as an administrative and legal reform. However, politically, it could significantly impact the balance of power between Fadnavis and Shinde.
The Maharashtra government has notified the ‘Maharashtra Government Rules of Business, 2026’. Rules governing government operations in Maharashtra are not a new concept; ‘Rules of Business’-which regulate the functioning of the government under Article 166 of the Constitution-were already in place in the state. Now, with the 2026 rules, the government has explicitly incorporated this power into the framework. In 2023, the High Court questioned the chief minister’s independent power of intervention, whereas the new ‘Rules of Business’ introduced in 2026 explicitly provide for such intervention.
How Will The Power Balance Within The ‘Mahayuti’ Shift?
In a coalition government, ministers from each party wield significant political power within their respective departments.
