Lagatar24 Desk
Mumbai: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devendra Fadnavis is poised to take oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on December 5, following the Mahayuti alliance’s landslide victory in the assembly elections. Caretaker CM Eknath Shinde has reportedly backed BJP’s decision, quelling speculations of discord within the alliance.
Key Developments in Maharashtra Government Formation
Fadnavis Likely to Lead:
Senior BJP leaders have confirmed that Devendra Fadnavis will be elected as the legislature party leader in a meeting scheduled for December 2 or 3. This decision positions Fadnavis for a third term as Chief Minister.
Shinde’s Support for BJP Decision:
Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, who had been a contender for the CM post, returned to Mumbai on Sunday after recovering from an illness. Speaking to reporters, Shinde reiterated his support for BJP’s decision, stating, “The decision on the CM’s post taken by BJP leadership is acceptable to me and the Shiv Sena.”
Speculation on Deputy CM Role:
Reports suggest Shinde’s son, Dr. Shrikant Shinde, might be appointed as one of the Deputy Chief Ministers. However, Shinde remained non-committal about Shiv Sena’s demands for the Home portfolio, adding that discussions are ongoing.
Alliance Dynamics:
The Mahayuti alliance, comprising BJP, Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, secured a resounding victory with 230 out of 288 assembly seats. While BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats, Shiv Sena won 57 seats, and NCP bagged 41.
Internal Tensions:
Shiv Sena minister Gulabrao Patil claimed the party could have won 90-100 seats if the NCP had not been part of the alliance. His remarks drew criticism from NCP leaders, highlighting ongoing tensions within the Mahayuti alliance.
Oath Ceremony Details
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for December 5 at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to attend.
Election Overview
Voting for the Maharashtra Assembly elections was held on November 20, with results declared on November 23. The BJP-led alliance’s decisive win marks a significant shift in Maharashtra’s political landscape, with a focus now on balancing power-sharing dynamics within the coalition.
