The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), known as the Mahayuti in Maharashtra, secured a resounding victory in the state assembly elections over a week ago, but the new government has yet to take the oath of office. The spotlight now falls on BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, whose name has reportedly been finalized for the chief ministerial post.
Government Formation Updates
The legislature party is expected to elect Fadnavis as its leader in a meeting scheduled for December 2 or 3. The oath-taking ceremony will take place on December 5 at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance. The Mahayuti alliance clinched 230 out of 288 assembly seats, with the BJP securing 132, the Shiv Sena winning 57, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP grabbing 41 seats.
Outgoing CM Eknath Shinde supports BJP’s decision on Maharashtra’s next chief minister, pledging full backing from himself and Shiv Sena.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders have dismissed rumors about Shrikant Shinde, Eknath Shinde’s son, becoming the deputy CM.
Tensions Within the Alliance
As the alliance prepares to form the government, internal friction has surfaced. Shiv Sena MLA Gulabrao Patil criticized the inclusion of Ajit Pawar’s NCP in the Mahayuti alliance, arguing that the Shiv Sena could have won 90–100 seats had it contested without the NCP. His remarks drew sharp criticism from NCP spokesperson Amol Mitkari, who urged Patil to exercise caution with his statements.
The BJP-led alliance won Maharashtra’s elections on November 23, and focus shifts to Fadnavis and Mahayuti leaders forming the government.
