In a significant political development, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Thursday night to finalize the power-sharing formula following the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance’s landslide victory in the state assembly elections.
Fadnavis: The Frontrunner for CM?
With the BJP securing over 100 seats for the third consecutive time under Devendra Fadnavis’ leadership, speculation is rife that he may return as Maharashtra’s chief minister. Fadnavis is seen as a strong contender, but discussions over caste equations and coalition dynamics are delaying the announcement.
Ajit Pawar, NCP chief and one of the alliance’s deputy CMs, confirmed that a decision regarding ministerial portfolios for BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP leaders was a key agenda during the meeting with Shah.
Shinde Signals Willingness to Step Aside
Outgoing CM Eknath Shinde met Amit Shah separately before the formal Mahayuti meeting, signaling his willingness to abide by decisions made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. “I won’t be an obstacle to the government formation,” Shinde stated, implying he may not retain the top post.
Shinde’s supporters, however, are lobbying for his continuance, citing his successful grassroots initiatives such as the Ladki Bahin campaign, which brought governance closer to citizens. Shiv Sena insiders suggest Shinde will remain part of the cabinet but is unlikely to accept a deputy CM role.
Caste Dynamics in Focus
The BJP’s central leadership is reportedly weighing Maharashtra’s complex caste equations, with an emphasis on balancing representation for the OBC and Maratha communities. Fadnavis, a Brahmin, previously served as CM in 2014 and briefly in 2019. Sources speculate that RSS influence may favor his appointment.
Meanwhile, Shinde’s Shiv Sena is expected to propose a different leader for the deputy CM position, reflecting an effort to maintain coalition harmony.
A Resounding Victory for Mahayuti
The Mahayuti alliance triumphed in the November 20 assembly elections, securing 230 of the 288 seats. The BJP emerged as the largest constituent with 132 seats, followed by Shinde’s Shiv Sena (57) and Ajit Pawar’s NCP (41). The Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi suffered a humiliating defeat, with Congress winning just 16 seats and Uddhav Thackeray’s faction (UBT) managing only 20.
What’s Next?
A new government is expected to be in place by December 2. Shinde’s son, MP Shrikant Shinde, lauded his father’s commitment to “alliance dharma,” emphasizing collective governance over personal ambition.
As political circles buzz with speculation, Maharashtra awaits an official announcement on its next chief minister. Will it be Fadnavis, or will caste equations and alliance negotiations bring a surprise? The decision is expected to shape the state’s political trajectory in the coming years.
