- A crucial meeting in Delhi with BJP leaders Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar, and Amit Shah is set to finalize Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister.
- Devendra Fadnavis is reportedly the top contender, while Shinde, despite demands for another term, has expressed willingness to abide by BJP’s decision.
- The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance achieved a landslide victory in the state assembly elections, winning 230 out of 288 seats.
Shinde’s Position and BJP’s Dominance
Eknath Shinde, who recently resigned as Chief Minister as part of the constitutional process, has ruled out accepting the deputy CM post. Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat emphasized that such a role would not befit Shinde, who has already served at the top. However, Shinde is expected to play a significant role in the cabinet. His son, MP Shrikant Shinde, praised his father’s commitment to the alliance and collective governance, prioritizing the state’s interests over personal ambitions.
The BJP, with 132 seats, emerged as the dominant player in the Mahayuti alliance, followed by Shiv Sena (57 seats) and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction (41 seats). The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), including Congress, Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP), and Uddhav Thackeray’s faction, faced a significant setback, collectively winning just 46 seats.
What’s Next for Maharashtra?
With Fadnavis as the likely choice for CM, the BJP aims to consolidate its leadership in Maharashtra, a key state for upcoming national elections. The final announcement, expected after tonight’s meeting, will mark the start of a new administration focused on fulfilling the promises of the Mahayuti alliance’s landslide mandate.
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