Sources say that the BJP endorsed Fadnavis’ candidacy on Monday, and the proposal was subsequently approved by the Shinde and Pawar.
New Delhi: The suspense over who Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister will be, continues to be high, two days after the Mahayuti alliance achieved a landmark victory in the Assembly elections, securing 235 seats in the 288-member Assembly.
According to sources, BJP leader and state Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is set to become Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister, with Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar likely to serve as Deputy Chief Ministers. Sources say that the BJP’s top leadership endorsed Fadnavis’ candidacy on Monday, and the proposal was subsequently approved by the Shiv Sena faction led by Shinde and the NCP faction under Pawar.
According to analysts, two political figures stand out as potential Chief Ministers. Currently, Eknath Shinde, who holds the position as the head of the ruling Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), is a strong contender due to his track record and current popularity. His coalition partner, BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis, another prominent candidate, is a two-time former CM known for his strategic influence in state politics.
Significantly, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has scheduled an evening meeting in Delhi with Shinde, Fadnavis and Pawar to finalize power-sharing arrangements and the Cabinet structure, with an announcement expected afterwards. The BJP’s central leadership is understood to have reassured its allies that their concerns will be addressed as much as possible while still safeguarding the party’s core interests. According to sources, Shiv Sena and NCP are likely to get 12 and 10 ministerial berths, respectively, with some key portfolios thrown in; the BJP top leadership is meeting the Mahayuti leadership trio in Delhi.