Maharashtra New CM 2024 Highlights: Who is the frontrunner for Chief Minister’s post?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Maharashtra’s new Mahayuti government on the evening of December 5. BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis has emerged as the leading candidate for the chief minister’s post. According to state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, the oath-taking ceremony will be held at 5 pm at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday alleged that the delay in forming a government in Maharashtra was due to the ruling Mahayuti parties never expecting to regain power.

Although no official announcement has been made regarding the chief minister, BJP sources indicated that Devendra Fadnavis, who has served as chief minister twice and was the deputy chief minister in the previous Eknath Shinde-led government, is the leading contender for the position, PTI reported.

Ajit Pawar, the NCP chief, stated on Saturday that the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra will be from the BJP, while two Deputy Chief Ministers will be chosen from other Mahayuti alliance constituents.

The new Mahayuti government in Maharashtra is set to be sworn in on December 5 at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance, the state BJP announced.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Saturday urged veteran activist Dr. Baba Adhav to end his protest against the alleged misuse of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the recent state elections, emphasising the need to accept the election results. Pawar noted that while the ruling Mahayuti performed poorly in the Lok Sabha elections, they did not raise concerns about the EVMs, underscoring the stance of the Nationalist Congress Party chief.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has called on all MVA partners, including the NCP (Sharad Pawar) and Congress, to organize statewide protests in Maharashtra against EVMs.

This demand follows opposition concerns over discrepancies in voter turnout, an unexpected rise in the number of voters, and alleged issues with EVMs.

Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole expressed concerns about the recent state assembly election results, citing a lack of transparency in the process. He urged both the government and the Election Commission to address public doubts surrounding the elections.

“Our stand is that this verdict is the murder of democracy,” Patole stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Shiv Sena leader Shambhuraj Desai responded to NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar’s comments, questioning why Pawar didn’t raise concerns about alleged misuse of power and money during the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Desai suggested that if such issues had occurred, candidates from the Maha Vikas Aghadi should have reported them to election officers, police, or the district administration at the time. He claimed Pawar was using these accusations as an excuse for their defeat.

“He is just blaming something for their defeat in the Maharashtra Assembly elections…He (Sharad Pawar) can still file a complaint with the police, election commission…” he said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve stated on Saturday that only the estranged Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, can decide if they want to join forces.

Danve expressed that Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray’s political stance remains unclear, leaving people confused about whether he is supporting or opposing the state government.

He further noted, “After every poll defeat, there are such talks (that the Thackeray cousins should come together). You will find these discussions every 8-10 days after an election verdict is out. Only they (the Thackeray cousins) can decide if they want to (come together). We have no role,” said the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council.

Visuals emerged from the residence of Maharashtra’s caretaker CM and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde in Satara, where party workers had gathered to meet him.

The Mahayuti alliance is set to form the new Maharashtra government on December 5, with Devendra Fadnavis emerging as the leading contender for chief minister, a senior BJP leader said, as PTI reported In the November 20 polls, the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP secured 230 of the 288 assembly seats, with the BJP alone winning 132 seats.

However, a final decision on the CM post remains pending. Talks involving Shinde, Fadnavis, and Pawar with BJP leaders J P Nadda and Amit Shah are ongoing. A key alliance meeting, initially planned for Friday, has been rescheduled for Sunday due to Shinde’s visit to Satara.

The Election Commission on Saturday reaffirmed its commitment to transparency in the electoral process and assured a review of any legitimate concerns regarding the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

In its reply to the Congress, the EC stated, “We have followed all poll-related processes transparently and will review all legitimate concerns on the Maharashtra election.”

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat hit back at the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) on Saturday for questioning the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance over the delay in forming the government in Maharashtra.

Responding to criticism, Shirsat said, “What happened in 2019? Why couldn’t they form a government for over one month? They have forgotten all those things, and now it hasn’t even been eight days, and they have a problem. We want to form a strong government with good intentions. What is wrong with that?”

The remarks come after the MVA, comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP), raised concerns over the perceived lack of urgency in government formation by the Mahayuti, which won a sweeping majority in the recent Assembly elections.

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday expressed concern over the functioning of parliamentary democracy and alleged irregularities in the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections, calling for greater public awareness on these issues.

“This has happened for the first time. The elections held in the country have made people very restless; there is disappointment among the people,” Pawar said.

He added, “Every day at 11 am, the opposition leaders raise questions in the Parliament. They put forward their point, but their demands are not being accepted in the Parliament, and this clearly means that parliamentary democracy is not being followed properly. If it continues like this, then it is not right, and for this, we will have to go among the people and make them aware.”

Pawar also addressed concerns over Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), saying, “There is some difference in the votes of EVMs, but at the moment, I do not have any proof in this regard. Some people have demanded recounting. Whatever is possible in this matter will be done. Some people have applied for recounting. Let’s see what happens in that, but I do not have much hope from this.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray will meet Baba Adhav today at 3 pm in Pune. Baba Adhav, who has been on an ‘Atmaklesh Andolan’ for the past two days, was visited by Sharad Pawar earlier this morning in Pune.

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday alleged that there was unprecedented misuse of power and money to control the entire election process in Maharashtra, a practice never seen before in any state assembly or national elections. Pawar made these remarks during his visit to senior activist Dr. Baba Adhav, who is protesting against the alleged “misuse of EVMs” in the recent state elections in Maharashtra.

Amid debates within the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) over its alliance with the Congress and Sharad Pawar’s NCP(SP) in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) following its poor performance in the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections, similar concerns have emerged within the Congress.

Congress leaders acknowledged that some within the party share the sentiments expressed by Uddhav Sena members but emphasised that any decision on the alliance’s future would ultimately be made by the central leadership.

“Many of our workers have also expressed a desire to contest elections independently. However, these are personal opinions and not the official stance of the party. We are analysing the results of these (Assembly) elections and will decide on the future course of our action after discussions with the leadership,” said senior state Congress leader Vijay Waddetiwar, as The Indian Express reported.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat on Saturday emphasised that the party should secure the crucial home department in the upcoming Maharashtra government while alleging attempts to sideline caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Speaking to PTI, Shirsat highlighted Shinde’s positive image and the initiatives launched during his tenure, adding that he could have achieved much more with an additional two-and-a-half years as chief minister.

“The home department should be with the party (Shiv Sena). The department is (usually) with the deputy chief minister. It would not be right if the chief minister heads the home department,” said the MLA who represents the Aurangabad West assembly seat.

Devendra Fadnavis holds the home portfolio in the outgoing government.

As the Mahayuti alliance delays naming Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, CPI leader D Raja voiced concern on Friday, highlighting that despite the people voting for the BJP and its allies, they remain unable to select their leader.

Raja criticised the situation as indicative of internal contradictions within the BJP and its partners.

He suggested the delay might be due to “ideological, political, or personality conflicts” among the Mahayuti allies, calling it a troubling development.

Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant has dismissed media reports suggesting that caretaker Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is “upset” amid speculation over the next chief ministerial candidate.

“The reports that he is upset are emerging from the media. We were with Eknath Shinde till early morning. As Eknath Shinde has said the Maharashtra cabinet will be finalised soon,” Uday Samant told ANI.

Amid suspense over CM face, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat has called for the Chief Ministerial candidate for Maharashtra to be named by Friday midnight, hinting at a major decision from caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde within the next 24 hours.

Shirsat emphasised that Shinde’s focus remains firmly on Maharashtra politics, stating that he would accept any role in the Union cabinet if required.

“Yesterday the leaders of Maharashtra met at the residence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah…PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will decide who will be the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra…The name of the Maharashtra CM should be declared by today midnight. I have the information that the oath-taking ceremony will be on December 2,” Shirsat told ANI.

“Eknath Shinde will not go to Delhi. He is more interested in Maharashtra politics than Delhi politics,” he added.

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal expressed concern over the Maharashtra election outcome, calling it “unexplainable and shocking.” Speaking at a press conference, he stated, “The CWC also accepted that the party’s performance, along with its MVA allies, appears beyond normal understanding. It seems to be a clear case of targeted manipulation.” Venugopal’s remarks highlight the party’s dissatisfaction and hint at potential concerns regarding the electoral process.

Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant dismissed media speculations about Maharashtra’s caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde being “upset,” clarifying that Shinde will return from his native village on November 30. Addressing the rumors, Samant stated, “These reports are media-driven. We were with Eknath Shinde until early morning. Meetings aren’t confined to physical gatherings; they also happen via video conferencing and mobile communication.” He assured that the Maharashtra cabinet will be finalized soon, echoing Shinde’s own commitment to the state’s political progress. Samant’s remarks aim to quash uncertainty surrounding Shinde’s current status and ongoing governance matters.

The Congress, expressing disappointment over its defeat in the Maharashtra assembly elections, submitted an “urgent memorandum” to the Election Commission. The party raised concerns about “grave inconsistencies” in the polls and urged the EC to grant an “urgent in-person hearing” to address the issues in detail.

Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant reacted to Congress leader Bhai Jagtap’s statement on the Election Commission, saying, “Such statements should not be made. If Jagtap believes there is an issue with EVMs, he should request random checks. The truth will come out. Action should be taken against such remarks.”

Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar has called for Congress leader Bhai Jagtap to apologize for his recent statement against the Election Commission (EC). Speaking to ANI, Kesarkar emphasized that the Election Commission is a constitutional body and any inappropriate comments against it should be addressed with strict action. He further stated that Jagtap should offer a public apology for his remarks. The controversy has sparked political debate over respect for constitutional institutions and the consequences of making disparaging statements against them.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat commented on Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s decision-making process, stating that whenever Shinde needs time to reflect, he retreats to his native village. Shirsat hinted that Shinde often makes significant decisions after spending time there. He further suggested that Shinde would be taking a major decision by the evening of the following day, adding intrigue to the political situation. Shirsat’s statement has sparked speculation about potential changes in Maharashtra’s leadership, though the exact nature of the decision remains unclear.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat stated that Maharashtra leaders recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah would decide the CM’s name, which is expected to be announced by midnight. Shirsat hinted at an oath-taking ceremony on December 2. He emphasized that current CM Eknath Shinde is focused on Maharashtra politics and unlikely to shift to a national role in Delhi. This development adds anticipation to the state’s political scenario as speculation grows about the leadership’s direction in Maharashtra.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Chavan on Friday criticized his former Congress colleagues, urging the party to introspect over its poor performance in the recent Maharashtra assembly polls. Chavan, a former CM, pointed out that Congress had won 82 seats in 2009 under his leadership, but saw a decline to 44 under Prithviraj Chavan and further to 16 under Nana Patole in 2024. He emphasized that winning in politics is a process and suggested the Congress reflect on its performance. Chavan, who joined BJP in February, also referred to his 14 years in political exile.