Maharashtra New CM: The burning question everyone’s asking: Who will be Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister? As the wait continues, all eyes are on a crucial meeting scheduled for Thursday, where a decision on the next CM could finally emerge. Caretaker CM Eknath Shinde, along with outgoing Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis (BJP) and Ajit Pawar (NCP), will meet with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to discuss this highly anticipated issue.
In a key development on Wednesday, Shinde confirmed that Shiv Sena would fully support the decisions made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah regarding the CM post, adding that there would be no opposition from their side. With this announcement, the stage seems set for a major political move, but the big question remains — Who will be chosen to lead Maharashtra?
Did Eknath Shinde cave-in?
Eknath Shinde has said that the Shiv Sena would fully support the decisions made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the Chief Minister position, stating that there would be no opposition from their side. He mentioned that he had spoken to both the PM and Amit Shah, and assured them that Shiv Sena would back their decision on the CM candidate, recognizing Modi as the leader of the NDA and committing the party’s full support to whoever was chosen.
However, in response to his statement, Congress leader Nana Patole claimed that Shinde had yielded to pressure from the BJP. On the other hand, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC noted that each party would naturally want their own leader to become Chief Minister. However, she emphasised that Eknath Shinde, due to his ground-level efforts, focus on the common people, and leadership in securing the victory, should have been the natural choice. She also praised his decision to allow the high command to make the leadership decision, reinforcing that the Mahayuti alliance remains united and dedicated to serving Maharashtra’s people. Shaina further criticised those who abandoned their ideologies for power, stating that the public had given them a strong response.
Fadnavis – The next Maharashtra CM?
Political analysts believe that with Shinde now aligning with the party’s decisions, preparations are underway for the formation of a new government, which is expected to be led by senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis. Fadnavis, considered a strong contender for the CM position, emphasised that the Mahayuti coalition, comprising Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP, remains united in forming the government. Later, while speaking in Nagpur, he reiterated that there is unity within the Mahayuti. He assured that all decisions will be taken collectively, and meetings with top leaders will be held. He also referred to Eknath Shinde’s press conference in Thane, where the outgoing CM dismissed reports of his dissatisfaction over not being re-elected despite leading the alliance to a massive victory.
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Fadnavis added that Shinde, along with Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and himself, are working together and there is no discord within the alliance. He said that the coalition had previously agreed to make decisions jointly with senior leadership and would continue to do so.
According to the Indian Express, Maharashtra NDA leaders are expected to meet BJP leaders in Delhi on Thursday. This suggests that the new government will likely follow a formula of one Chief Minister and two Deputy Chief Ministers, representing the three major Mahayuti constituents. While the BJP is set to secure the Chief Minister’s position, its allies, Shiv Sena and NCP, are expected to be given the posts of Deputy Chief Ministers.