NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to host a critical meeting with Maharashtra’s political leaders to finalize the state’s CM and new government. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devendra Fadnavis is the frontrunner for the Chief Minister’s position, following the Mahayuti alliance’s resounding victory in the assembly elections. The meeting will include caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), where discussions will also cover the allocation of cabinet posts and the naming of two deputy chief ministers.
Eknath Shinde Steps Aside, Expresses Support for BJP’s Decision:
Despite his leadership during the alliance’s landslide win, Shinde has indicated he will support the BJP’s decision on the chief ministerial post. At a press conference in Thane, he reaffirmed his loyalty to the alliance, emphasizing, “I am a worker forever; for me, CM is not chief minister but common man.” Shinde also dismissed reports of dissatisfaction over stepping down, crediting the BJP for supporting his tenure.
Mahayuti’s Dominance in the Assembly:
The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a commanding 230 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly, with the BJP winning 132, Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction 57, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP 41. The opposition, led by the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, suffered significant losses, with the Congress securing only 16 seats and Uddhav Thackeray’s faction of Shiv Sena earning 20.
Swearing-In Ceremony Expected Soon:
Ajit Pawar hinted that the swearing-in ceremony could take place by the end of November or early December. Reports suggest Fadnavis will serve as the Chief Minister for the first half of the term, after which Shinde might take over, aligning with prior discussions within the alliance.
The political developments signal the BJP’s strategic consolidation of power in Maharashtra, with a focus on maintaining stability within the Mahayuti alliance.
Ankita Singh, Web Team C6N.
