The stalemate over Maharashtra’s Chief Minister post persists, even as the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, celebrates its decisive victory in the state elections. With the term of the 14th Assembly ending on Tuesday, incumbent Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has resigned, but the BJP-led alliance remains undecided on its leader for the new government.
The BJP, holding a dominant 132 seats in the 288-member Assembly, is backing former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The Shiv Sena, with 57 seats, is rallying behind Shinde, while the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, with 41 seats, is reportedly in favour of Fadnavis. With the BJP needing only one ally to reach the majority mark of 145, the scales appear to tilt in favor of Fadnavis.
Shiv Sena Appeals for Unity, Cites ‘Bihar Model’
In a display of loyalty, Shiv Sena leaders had planned to gather at the Chief Minister’s official residence, Varsha, to support Shinde. However, Shinde intervened, appealing for calm. “As a grand alliance, we contested the election together and are still together today,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
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Sena spokesperson Naresh Mhaske referenced the ‘Bihar model,’ where BJP supported Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister despite holding more seats. “We feel Shinde should continue as Chief Minister… Senior leaders of the Mahayuti will ultimately decide,” Mhaske said.
BJP Favours Fadnavis, RSS Weighs In
BJP leaders, however, are firm in their support for Fadnavis. “The people of Maharashtra stood behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Fadnavis should lead as Chief Minister. He has shown remarkable leadership and unity within the alliance,” said BJP MLC Pravin Darekar.
Sources suggest the RSS, the BJP’s ideological backbone, is also advocating for Fadnavis. With its centenary next year, the RSS reportedly prefers a BJP-led Maharashtra government.
Historical Echoes and Strategic Challenges
The situation mirrors the post-election impasse of 2019, when the BJP and the undivided Shiv Sena parted ways over the Chief Minister post. This led to Uddhav Thackeray forming a coalition government with the NCP and Congress, which was later toppled by Shinde’s rebellion.
Unlike 2019, the BJP now has the numbers to form a government with NCP’s support alone, leaving Shinde with limited leverage. Analysts suggest Shinde may focus on securing key ministerial positions to retain influence.
Concerns Over President’s Rule Quelled
Amid delays in announcing the Chief Minister, speculation about the imposition of President’s Rule had arisen. However, a legislative official clarified that the 15th Assembly is already constituted, as the names of newly elected MLAs were submitted to Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday.
As Maharashtra waits, the BJP-led Mahayuti faces the critical task of ensuring alliance unity while delivering on the promises of their landslide victory.
