The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislature party will finalize Maharashtra’s next chief minister on December 4, ending the suspense over the post. Party members have widely declared Devendra Fadnavis the frontrunner and will announce their decision officially during the meeting at Vidhan Bhawan. The new government will hold its swearing-in ceremony on December 5.
Key Updates on Maharashtra’s Government Formation:
- Eknath Shinde’s Health Concerns: Doctors briefly hospitalized Caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde due to a persistent throat infection and fever. Speaking to the media, Shinde assured that his health is “all good” after receiving medical care. His son, Shrikant Shinde, dismissed speculation about his potential deputy CM role, reiterating his focus on constituency work and Shiv Sena.
- BJP Appoints Central Observers: Ahead of the legislature party meeting, the BJP appointed Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani as central observers to oversee the leadership selection process.
- Mahayuti Alliance Dynamics: The Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), alliance partners of the BJP, are set to secure deputy CM positions. The Mahayuti coalition dominated the recent state elections, winning 230 out of 288 seats. BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats, followed by Shiv Sena’s 57 and NCP’s 41.
- Ladki Bahin Scheme Speculations: BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar addressed rumors about increasing the monthly grant under the Ladki Bahin scheme from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100, clarifying that the final decision rests with the state cabinet.
- Ajit Pawar’s Delhi Visit: NCP leader Ajit Pawar traveled to Delhi for discussions, while Fadnavis and Shinde remained in Mumbai, engaging with party workers and leaders ahead of the CM announcement.
The political developments signal a likely return of Devendra Fadnavis to the top position, cementing BJP’s dominance in Maharashtra’s governance. The Mahayuti’s coordinated strategy appears set to ensure smooth leadership transition.
