Lagatar24 Desk
Mumbai: Preparations for the grand swearing-in ceremony at Azad Maidan are in full swing, but suspense looms over who will take the oath as Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister. Despite securing a decisive 230-seat win in the state elections, the BJP-led Mahayuti is yet to meet Governor CP Radhakrishnan to stake its claim to form the government.
Key Players in Different Cities
BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde, and NCP’s Ajit Pawar are currently in separate cities. While Fadnavis remains in Mumbai, Shinde is reportedly unwell and recuperating in Thane, and Pawar is in Delhi for what he has termed a personal visit.
The BJP legislature party is meeting today at Vidhan Bhavan to choose its leader, with Fadnavis considered the frontrunner for the Chief Minister’s post. However, the BJP’s delay in announcing its candidate has fueled speculation about internal negotiations.
Shiv Sena’s Strategic Moves
Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena appears to be playing hardball, pushing for key portfolios such as Home. While Shinde has publicly stated his readiness to accept the BJP’s decision, his absence from Mumbai during these crucial discussions has sparked rumors. Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar emphasized Shinde’s stature, reminding the BJP of his leadership role in the Assembly polls.
Amid reassurances of unity within the Mahayuti, another Sena leader, Sanjay Sirsat, hinted that Shinde might decide by tomorrow whether to join the Mahayuti government.
Opposition Criticism
The delay in forming the government has drawn sharp criticism from the Opposition. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray called the delay an “insult to Maharashtra,” accusing the BJP-led Mahayuti of neglecting the state’s priorities.
The Mahayuti secured a landslide victory in the 288-member Assembly, with the BJP winning 132 seats, Shiv Sena 57, and NCP 41. However, the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) managed only 46 seats, a sharp contrast to its earlier performance in the Lok Sabha elections.
Election Allegations
The MVA has alleged tampering with electronic voting machines (EVMs) and demanded a return to ballot voting, a claim dismissed by the BJP. The Election Commission has warned against spreading falsehoods about EVMs, cautioning of strict action against offenders.
