The suspense over Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister appears to be ending, as BJP senior leaders have reportedly finalized the name of Devendra Fadnavis for the top post. A BJP leader confirmed that the legislative party meeting, scheduled for December 2 or 3, will officially elect Fadnavis as the leader.

Fadnavis Set to Return as CM

Fadnavis, who previously served as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019 and briefly in October 2019, is poised for a comeback. Currently serving as the state’s Deputy Chief Minister since 2022, Fadnavis has been a six-time MLA from Nagpur South West since 1999. Known for his administrative experience and strong political acumen, he also served as Mayor of Nagpur earlier in his career. 

Massive Victory for Mahayuti

The Mahayuti alliance, comprising BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), secured a sweeping majority in the recently concluded Maharashtra Assembly elections. Of the 288 seats, the alliance won 233, with BJP taking 132, Shiv Sena 57, and NCP 41. Despite this overwhelming victory, the announcement of the Chief Ministerial candidate had been delayed, leading to speculation and intense negotiations among allies.

Shinde Supports BJP’s Decision

Outgoing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has expressed full support for the BJP’s decision regarding the new CM. Speaking to the media, Shinde said, “I have already stated that the BJP’s decision on the Chief Minister will be acceptable to me and the Shiv Sena. We will form the government with consensus among Mahayuti allies.”

Shinde also addressed rumors about his son Srikant Shinde being considered for the Deputy CM position and his party’s interest in key portfolios such as Home Affairs. He dismissed the speculations, emphasizing that the government formation process would be a collective decision.

Swearing-in Ceremony on December 5

The swearing-in ceremony of the new government is scheduled for December 5 at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the event, marking the beginning of the NDA-led government in Maharashtra.

Challenges Amid Alliance Aspirations

The BJP has taken a cautious approach in the aftermath of the election victory, as allies within the Mahayuti alliance, particularly Shiv Sena and NCP, have heightened their demands for significant portfolios. Discussions are ongoing to finalize the government structure, with some leaders suggesting that only the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister may take the oath on December 5, while cabinet ministers could be sworn in later.

Speculations and Reassurances

Eknath Shinde, who had taken a brief break in his ancestral village last week, returned to Mumbai on Sunday, assuring reporters that there are no differences among the Mahayuti allies. “There is no ‘ifs and buts.’ We are united, and our government’s work will be remembered in golden letters in Maharashtra’s history,” he said.

A Historic Win for Mahayuti

The Mahayuti alliance’s victory in the elections has strengthened the BJP’s position in the state. However, the party is navigating carefully to manage the aspirations of its allies while finalizing key decisions, including cabinet positions. As the BJP gears up to announce its legislative leader, all eyes are on today’s or tomorrow’s meeting, which is expected to seal Fadnavis’s return as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister.