Preparations are underway for the swearing-in ceremony of Maharashtra’s next chief minister, scheduled for December 5 at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, despite lingering uncertainty over who will hold the top post. The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, secured a landslide victory in the recent assembly elections. However, the final decision on the chief minister remains unresolved, with top leaders scattered across different cities.
Caretaker CM and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, BJP stalwart Devendra Fadnavis, and NCP chief Ajit Pawar are currently in Thane, Mumbai, and New Delhi, respectively. Shinde, who recently shifted base to Thane citing health concerns, has reiterated his support for the BJP’s CM pick. Meanwhile, Fadnavis is widely seen as the frontrunner, though speculation persists about the BJP potentially introducing a new face.
Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani have been appointed as central observers for the Mahayuti legislature party meeting on December 6, where the final decision will be made. Maharashtra BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule has inspected the ceremony venue, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend.
NCP leader Ajit Pawar met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, sparking further political discussions. Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar emphasized the importance of maintaining Shinde’s stature, given his leadership during the election. He also dismissed rumors of discord, stating that Shinde is prepared to accept the BJP’s decision.
The BJP is likely to claim the CM post, with deputy CM positions expected to go to the Shiv Sena and NCP. Reports also suggest that Eknath Shinde declined an offer to lead the Mahayuti alliance, instead focusing on supporting the BJP’s leadership.
The final decision is anticipated soon, as the Mahayuti alliance moves closer to forming the new government in Maharashtra.
