The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reportedly finalized Devendra Fadnavis as its candidate for the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, sources revealed. This decision appears to bring an end to the speculation surrounding the coveted top post following the BJP-led Mahayuti’s resounding victory in the state elections.
According to insiders, Fadnavis’s name will be presented to the newly elected legislators for formal approval. This step is expected to officially confirm the senior BJP leader’s selection for the role.
Preparations are already underway at Mumbai’s iconic Azad Maidan for a grand swearing-in ceremony, which will serve as a celebratory culmination of the BJP’s electoral triumph.
The breakthrough came after a critical meeting between Fadnavis and Shinde on Tuesday at Shinde’s Mumbai residence. This meeting marked the first significant interaction between the two leaders since tensions over government formation began. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar is also expected to join the cabinet as part of the power-sharing arrangement. The high-profile swearing-in ceremony is slated for December 5 at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.
Cabinet Portfolio Allocation: Tentative Breakdown
Insiders suggest the following distribution of key cabinet portfolios among the three coalition partners:
- BJP: Expected to secure 21-22 ministries, including crucial departments such as Home and Revenue.
- Shiv Sena: Likely to receive 12 ministries, including Urban Development, and is lobbying for the Legislative Council Chairman position.
- NCP: Anticipated to take 9-10 ministries, including Finance and the Deputy Speaker role.
ALSO READ: ‘All is well’ signals Shiv Sena after Devendra Fadnavis meets Eknath Shinde amid Maharashtra impasse
The exact allocation will be finalized after the swearing-in ceremony under Eknath Shinde’s leadership. Notably, Shinde is recovering from a throat infection and fever, but sources confirm that the timeline remains unchanged.
Alliance Stability Reaffirmed
Addressing concerns over discord within the Mahayuti alliance, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat assured the public that “all is well” and reiterated that the December 5 ceremony will proceed as planned.
Shinde’s decision to step down as Chief Minister is seen as a significant move to preserve alliance unity. The BJP Legislative Party will meet on Wednesday to officially elect Devendra Fadnavis as its leader and confirm his CM candidacy.
As Maharashtra prepares for a new chapter in governance, the Mahayuti alliance’s cohesive efforts signal a commitment to delivering political stability and effective administration.
