In a decisive move, the suspense surrounding the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra is likely to be resolved soon. The three central figures of the ruling alliance — Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar — convened a late-night meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. This meeting, considered the final step before a formal announcement, is now pending approval from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sources close to the matter suggest the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is meticulously addressing all concerns before revealing its decision. The discussions are not only centered on selecting the Chief Minister but also shaping the state’s cabinet.
Eknath Shinde Clears the Path
Eknath Shinde, who currently leads the Shiv Sena faction in the alliance, indicated his willingness to step aside for the BJP’s decision. “I have told PM Modi that I would not be an obstacle. We would go with whatever he decides,” Shinde told reporters. Reiterating his stance, he added, “I am not greedy for any position, and no one is upset.”
ALSO READ: ‘Congress overconfidence cost us; Uddhav Thackeray should’ve been CM face’: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader on poor show in Maharashtra
This move paves the way for Devendra Fadnavis, the former Chief Minister, to return to the top post. Fadnavis is widely regarded as the front-runner, given his strong leadership credentials and the BJP’s impressive performance, securing 132 seats in the assembly elections.
Caste Dynamics and the Challenge
One potential hurdle in naming Fadnavis as the Chief Minister is caste dynamics. Maharashtra’s political landscape includes an overwhelming number of Maratha legislators among the 288 MLAs. Fadnavis, belonging to the Brahmin community, faced similar resistance during his tenure in 2014.
The BJP, keen to mitigate any backlash, consulted senior leaders, including Vinod Tawde, on the matter. The party aims to ensure its decision aligns with broader community sentiments while maintaining its leadership vision for the state.
Cabinet Composition and Portfolios
As deliberations continue, discussions have expanded to include the composition of Maharashtra’s cabinet. Sources reveal that the BJP is eyeing key portfolios, including Home, as part of a division plan that could see 22 ministries allocated to the BJP, 12 to Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, and 10 to Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
ALSO READ: Cracks deepen between TMC, INDIA bloc; Mamata Banerjee says won’t act as Congress’ ‘rubber stamp’
The next question revolves around Eknath Shinde’s role if Fadnavis assumes the Chief Minister’s office. Options under consideration include Shinde serving as Deputy Chief Minister in Maharashtra or moving to a cabinet position at the Center.
What Lies Ahead
With Amit Shah’s strategic intervention and the BJP’s strong electoral mandate, the ruling coalition is set to finalize its leadership structure. The decision will not only determine Maharashtra’s political course but also reflect the BJP’s approach to managing alliances and caste considerations in one of India’s most politically significant states.
Stay tuned for updates as the formal announcement is expected soon.
