Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have reportedly finalized Devendra Fadnavis as the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra. According to party sources, the BJP legislature party meeting to elect its leader will be held on December 2 or 3.
“The name of Devendra Fadnavis has been finalised as the new chief minister of Maharashtra,” a senior BJP leader informed PTI.
This decision comes after caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde extended his unconditional support to the party’s leadership, which includes Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP President JP Nadda.
BJP-Led Mahayuti Alliance’s Victory in State Elections
The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a landslide victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, winning 230 out of 288 seats. The BJP claimed 132 seats, while Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP secured 57 and 41 seats, respectively.
The oath-taking ceremony for the new government is scheduled for December 5 at Azad Maidan, Mumbai, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Shinde’s Role and Speculations on Deputy CM Post
Eknath Shinde, the Shiv Sena leader, stated that the CM candidate would be announced on December 2 after consultations among Mahayuti allies. Amid rumors, he dismissed speculation about his son, Shrikant Shinde, taking the Deputy CM post or Shiv Sena seeking the home ministry portfolio.
“The government formation will be a consensus decision by all Mahayuti allies,” Shinde said, emphasizing unity within the alliance.
Mixed Reactions Within the Alliance
Despite calls for unity, some alliance members have voiced dissatisfaction. Shiv Sena MLA Gulabrao Patil expressed that the party could have won 90–100 seats if the NCP had not joined the alliance. Similarly, BJP leader Raosaheb Danve opined that a united BJP-Sena coalition could have achieved an even larger majority.
Debate Over Leadership
The question of leadership has sparked debate, with both Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde considered strong contenders for the CM post. However, the BJP’s decision to appoint Fadnavis reflects the party’s confidence in his leadership capabilities.
As Maharashtra prepares for the oath-taking ceremony, all eyes are on the BJP legislature meeting for the official announcement.
