Maharashtra CM Selection: Fadnavis Leads, Pawar in Delhi, and Shinde in Recovery as Tensions Build

Fadnavis, Shinde, and Pawar at the Forefront: Maharashtra CM Announcement Looms Amid Power-Sharing Negotiations and Alliance Dynamics

Suspense over Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister continues to grip the state as the Mahayuti alliance, despite an overwhelming electoral victory, lags behind in announcing its leadership. With the oath-taking ceremony scheduled for December 5 in Mumbai, the allocation of key portfolios remains a significant hurdle. While Eknath Shinde had paved the way for a BJP-led leadership, no official declaration has been made, keeping the political climate rife with speculation.

The suspense now hangs in the balance with the all-important BJP legislative meet scheduled for December 4 at the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan. The party is likely to decide on its Chief Minister, and Devendra Fadnavis seems to be the most probable one. This is after the Mahayuti had trounced the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and everyone is keen to see how the alliance handles the delicate power play.

Preparations for oath-taking ceremony at Azad Maidan are under full swing. The show will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi and many other senior leaders attending the event, which will formally be ushering in the new government. Maharashtra BJP Chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule confirmed to this newspaper that preparations are going on smoothly.

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Party insiders claim that Devendra Fadnavis is the front-runner for the post of Chief Minister. He has been a two-time Chief Minister and is one of the most important personalities in the BJP. It is said that his leadership will be a key factor in state governance. Sources reveal that caretaker CM Eknath Shinde is likely to be made the Deputy Chief Minister.

One also can not ignore the tussle, which would come up within alliance partners, on allotment of ministerial space. While Shinde is reportedly aiming for Home ministry, the powers over the law and order being extreme, the NCP would be reportedly insisting on finance under Ajit Pawar leadership.

Ajit Pawar’s strategic Delhi visit
Ajits Pawar’s visit to Delhi has fuelled political speculation. NCP leader is in talks with the top BJP brass, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, to sort out details of cabinet berths and ministry distribution. This is Pawar’s second meeting with Shah within a week and underlines the intensity of negotiations within the alliance.

However, power-sharing talks are characterized by persistent delays. The critical discussion scheduled for the health issues of Eknath Shinde had to be rescheduled. After cancelling his Mumbai meetings, Shinde has retreated to his village in Satara to rest as advised by his doctors. Devendra Fadnavis has gone out of his way and made a phone call to Eknath Shinde inquiring about his health, a reflection of the collaborative spirit required to sail through the alliance’s problems.

Legislative Leaders and Public Positions
The BJP is preparing to declare its legislative party leader on December 4. The other Mahayuti constituents have already announced their choices. The Shiv Sena faction, led by Shinde, has elected him as its legislative leader unopposed. NCP legislators have also chosen Ajit Pawar for the same position.

Speculation on deputy CM post has also been much in circulation. There are rumors that his son Shrikant Shinde is also in the fray. But Shrikant rubbished the rumor and said “false and baseless.”
He clarified that on the social networking site that he intended to strengthen the party rather than seeking a ministerial role or any other kind of minister post.

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On 4 December the BJP legislative conference might be when the suspense ends and decides on bringing down the much-awaited wait over the chief minister of the state in Maharashtra. Later, a lot of spotlight will turn towards the swearing-in ceremony on 5 December likely to be quite showy of the new opening for the state.

However, whether the alliance can sustain its long-term stability will depend upon its ability to manage internal discord. The BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) will have to negotiate their differences in the complexity of demands of governance and power-sharing.

Political stakeholders are going to converge on Mumbai today, and weeks of backroom negotiations are set to culminate. Whether Fadnavis is expected to take the mantle or there is a last-minute twist, it remains to be seen. The next few days will, however, determine the direction of the state’s leadership for years to come.

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