Suspense Over Maharashtra CM To End Soon, Fadnavis Likely Frontrunner

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Mumbai: The political landscape in Maharashtra is abuzz as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) huddles to finalize key leadership roles ahead of the new government’s swearing-in ceremony on December 5. While Devendra Fadnavis remains widely tipped to become the next chief minister, official confirmation is expected on December 4 following a state BJP legislature party meeting. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar flew to Delhi on Monday, while Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and BJP leader Fadnavis remained in Mumbai, holding strategic meetings. The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, is poised to form a strong government after securing 230 out of 288 assembly seats in the recent elections.

Developments Leading to Government Formation

• Central Observers Appointed: The BJP has named Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani as central observers to oversee the election of the state legislature party leader.
• Speculation on Deputy CMs: Both Shiv Sena and NCP, key allies in the Mahayuti alliance, are expected to secure deputy chief minister positions. Caretaker CM Eknath Shinde has expressed no objection to the BJP leading the state government.
• Shrikant Shinde’s Rejection of Speculation: Eknath Shinde’s son, Shrikant Shinde, dismissed rumors of his candidacy for the deputy chief minister role, reaffirming his focus on his Lok Sabha constituency and Shiv Sena’s organizational work.
• Fadnavis’s Strong Position: BJP insiders indicate that Devendra Fadnavis remains the favorite for the CM role, given his leadership experience and the party's strong showing in the polls with 132 seats. Ladki Bahin Scheme Speculation, BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar addressed rumors about increasing the Ladki Bahin scheme grant from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100. He clarified that any such decision would be made by the state cabinet in due course.

Conclusion: The formal announcement of Maharashtra’s chief minister on December 4 will mark the culmination of weeks of intense deliberations. With the BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis likely to assume the top post and power-sharing arrangements taking shape, the Mahayuti alliance is set to begin its tenure with significant public and political expectations.