CM from BJP, Deputy CMs from alliance parties: Ajit Pawar drops big hint amid who gets what clamour in Maharashtra

In a significant political development, Maharashtra’s new government under the Mahayuti alliance is set to feature a BJP Chief Minister with two Deputy Chief Ministers from the alliance partners, according to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar. The coalition, comprising the BJP, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the NCP, collectively secured a commanding majority of 230 seats in the 288-member assembly during the recent state elections.

Key Highlights

1. Chief Minister from BJP

The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party with 132 seats, will lead the government. Devendra Fadnavis, the former Chief Minister, is widely speculated to return to the top post, though the BJP has not officially named its legislature party leader yet.

2. Deputy Chief Ministers

The Deputy Chief Minister posts will be shared by the alliance partners—the Eknath Shinde faction, which won 57 seats, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, which secured 41 seats.

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3. Swearing-In on December 5

BJP’s Maharashtra Chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced that the government’s swearing-in ceremony will take place at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan on December 5 at 5 PM. The event is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

4. Alliance Dynamics

• Eknath Shinde, the outgoing Chief Minister, has publicly stated he will abide by the BJP’s decision, signaling no resistance to stepping down.
• Ajit Pawar described the delayed government formation as consistent with past practices, pointing to the 1999 precedent when it took a month to finalize Maharashtra’s government.

5. Focus on Unity

PM Modi has emphasized the importance of unity among the Mahayuti partners, a sentiment credited with securing the alliance’s decisive victory under the slogan “Ek hain toh safe hain” (Together, we are safe).

Implications for Maharashtra

The decision highlights BJP’s leadership in the alliance and its central role in state politics. However, maintaining cohesion among the ideologically diverse alliance partners will be crucial as they navigate governance and political challenges.