The Maharashtra political drama appears to be heading toward a resolution as a late-night meeting in Delhi between BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde, NCP’s Ajit Pawar, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah sets the stage for the state’s new leadership. Held at the BJP headquarters, the meeting’s outcomes are expected to shape the future of the state’s ruling alliance, with Fadnavis emerging as the frontrunner for the Chief Minister’s post.
Fadnavis as the CM: The BJP’s Calculated Strategy
Sources indicate that the BJP is determined to finalize every detail before announcing the Chief Minister. Devendra Fadnavis, a seasoned leader and former Chief Minister, is likely to lead the government, while the alliance considers two deputy chief ministers—one each from the Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction.
Eknath Shinde, the current Chief Minister, has expressed willingness to accept the BJP leadership’s decision, stating:
“I have told Prime Minister Modi that I will not be an obstacle and will follow his decision.”
This conciliatory stance has cleared the path for Fadnavis, but the BJP is navigating complex caste dynamics. Fadnavis, a Brahmin, faces opposition from certain Maratha factions who previously criticized his leadership during reservation protests.
Portfolios and Power Distribution
The meeting also addressed cabinet formation. Maharashtra’s cabinet can include a maximum of 42 ministers, with discussions suggesting the BJP may claim 22 ministries, the Shiv Sena 12, and the NCP 10. The BJP is reportedly negotiating for control of key portfolios, including Home, Finance, and Urban Development.
The seat-sharing arrangement reflects the BJP’s dominant performance in the state elections, winning 132 seats out of 288. Its strong showing has bolstered its claim for the top post.
Shinde’s Next Move and NCP’s Role
Eknath Shinde’s political future remains a pivotal point in negotiations. Speculation suggests he could take up a deputy role in Maharashtra or be offered a position at the Centre. Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction is expected to secure influential cabinet positions as part of the alliance agreement.
The Significance of This Decision
The delay in finalizing the Chief Minister is attributed to the BJP’s desire to avoid any missteps in a politically sensitive state. With Prime Minister Modi’s final approval pending, the decision is expected to strengthen the BJP-led alliance’s stability and resolve factional tensions within the coalition.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
