The political scenario in Maharashtra is rapidly evolving as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Girish Mahajan met with Maharashtra's caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday. This meeting came at a time when Shinde is recovering from a throat infection and fever, but his role in the state’s political developments remains crucial. The party has made it clear that the next Chief Minister will take the oath of office on December 5, and the ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders.

Fadnavis Set to Become CM

The BJP has confirmed that a crucial meeting of its newly-elected MLAs will take place on Wednesday morning, at Vidhan Bhawan in Mumbai. While the official announcement has yet to be made, former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is widely seen as the frontrunner for the position. Fadnavis is a two-time Chief Minister of Maharashtra and the outgoing Deputy Chief Minister in the Mahayuti government. BJP insiders have indicated that Fadnavis is set to assume the role once again, a move that could bring stability to the state after weeks of political uncertainty.

Shinde's Leadership Acknowledged

During his meeting with Mahajan, Eknath Shinde emphasized that there were no conflicts within the Mahayuti alliance and confirmed that discussions regarding the swearing-in ceremony were progressing smoothly. Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar also underscored that the Maharashtra Assembly elections were fought under Shinde's leadership, and the party would respect the BJP's decision regarding his future role in the government.

Shinde’s leadership remains pivotal, and his efforts as caretaker Chief Minister will likely be acknowledged, although the final decision on his role in the new government will come from the BJP’s central leadership.

Political Speculation and Fadnavis' Leadership

Adding to the speculation, Ajit Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) flew to Delhi to meet with central leaders, while Fadnavis and Shinde stayed in Mumbai to continue their discussions with party workers. This move suggests ongoing deliberations on who will lead the next government, with an official announcement expected on December 4.

In another significant development, the BJP appointed Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani as central observers for the party’s state legislature party meeting. These appointments indicate the BJP’s seriousness in finalizing the next Chief Minister after the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Shrikant Shinde Denies Ministerial Ambitions

Meanwhile, Shrikant Shinde, the son of Eknath Shinde, dismissed media reports that he might be appointed Deputy Chief Minister in the new government. In a post on X, Shrikant clarified that he had previously declined the chance to become a central minister after this year’s Lok Sabha elections and reiterated his focus on working for the party rather than seeking a ministerial position.

Shinde made it clear that he had no desire for a ministerial position in the state, further reducing speculation around his potential role in the government.

Government Formation and Consensus

Despite political speculation, both Shinde and the BJP have assured that the Mahayuti allies will come to a consensus regarding the modalities of government formation. Shiv Sena has expressed interest in securing the Home portfolio, but Eknath Shinde has stated that all decisions will be made through consensus within the alliance.

Maharashtra Assembly Election Results

In the Maharashtra assembly elections held on November 20, 2024, the Mahayuti alliance emerged victorious, securing a total of 230 out of 288 seats. The BJP won the largest share with 132 seats, followed by the Shiv Sena with 57 seats and the NCP with 41 seats. The BJP's majority in the assembly ensures that they will take the lead in the formation of the next government, with the final outcome depending on internal negotiations among the coalition partners.

Conclusion

As Maharashtra gears up for a new Chief Minister, the next few days will be crucial in determining the political direction of the state. While Devendra Fadnavis is likely to be appointed as CM, the discussions between the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP continue to unfold, with all eyes on the December 5 ceremony. As the BJP and its allies finalize the government formation, the political landscape of Maharashtra remains dynamic, and key decisions will soon be made.
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