Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: As the Mahayuti alliance contemplates its next Chief Minister following a landslide victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis assured that all three alliance partners would make the decision collectively.
“All three parties will sit together and form the government,” Fadnavis said, addressing concerns about discord within the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP coalition.
The Mahayuti alliance secured 233 of 288 seats in the elections, but a week after the results, the leadership deadlock persists. Intense deliberations are reportedly underway in both Maharashtra and Delhi, with no consensus yet on whether Devendra Fadnavis or Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde will take the top post.
Shiv Sena Pushes for Shinde
Shiv Sena has firmly backed Eknath Shinde, citing his leadership as the key to the alliance’s success. “The elections were fought in the name of Eknath Shinde. He deserves to return as Chief Minister and will not settle for a deputy role,” said Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Shirsat.
BJP’s Stand on Leadership
The BJP, which won 132 seats, is advocating for Fadnavis to lead the government. Sources suggest the party is firm on his candidature but is holding off on a formal announcement until ministerial portfolios are finalized.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale earlier indicated that Fadnavis might serve a third term as Chief Minister, although this has not been confirmed by BJP leadership.
Upcoming Deliberations
A critical meeting between alliance leaders Fadnavis, Shinde, and NCP’s Ajit Pawar is expected in Delhi today. The discussions, involving BJP’s national leaders, aim to resolve the deadlock and finalize the Chief Ministerial candidate.
