Fadnavis Ahead In The Race? BJP-Shiv Sena Alliance Struggles to Decide on Maharashtra Chief Minister Post Even After Landslide Victory

Fadnavis Ahead In The Race? BJP-Shiv Sena Alliance Struggles to Decide on Maharashtra Chief Minister Post Even After Landslide Victory

Over 60 hours after the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance claimed a decisive victory in Maharashtra’s state elections, the race for Chief Minister remains unresolved, sparking intense speculation about the future of the state’s leadership. Despite securing 132 seats out of 149 contested — just 13 short of a majority — the alliance is still grappling with internal discussions over who will take the top post.

Sources suggest that the BJP, which emerged as the single largest party in the alliance, is poised to claim the Chief Ministership. Devendra Fadnavis, former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, is seen as the leading contender. The BJP reportedly favors Fadnavis for the role, citing his longstanding leadership within the party and his previous tenure as Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019. Following a political realignment in 2022, Fadnavis had stepped down to make way for Eknath Shinde, who broke away from Shiv Sena and formed a new government in alliance with the BJP.

However, sources within the BJP indicate that Fadnavis is likely to return to the role, with the party leadership signaling their support for him. According to reports, the decision has already been communicated to NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who has not raised any objections.

The uncertainty surrounding the leadership transition has left Maharashtra’s political landscape in flux, with reports of ongoing negotiations in New Delhi. The term of the current Maharashtra government ends on Tuesday, adding urgency to the situation.

Meanwhile, Eknath Shinde, the incumbent Chief Minister, has sparked further speculation with a cryptic post on social media. On the platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), Shinde expressed gratitude to his supporters but urged Shiv Sena workers not to gather outside his official residence, ‘Varsha Niwas,’ in Mumbai. Shinde’s post read, “After the great victory of Mahayuti, our government will be formed once again in the state. As a grand alliance, we contested the election together and are still together today.”

He further appealed to party workers, “I request that no one should assemble in my support in such a manner. The grand alliance has been and will continue to be strong for a strong and prosperous Maharashtra.”

Shiv Sena workers in Thane have reportedly conducted religious rituals, including ‘puja’ and ‘havan,’ to seek blessings for Shinde’s continued tenure. Many within the Shiv Sena feel that Shinde deserves to retain the Chief Minister’s post, pointing to the success of welfare schemes like the ‘Ladki Behen Yojna,’ which provided financial assistance to women and was credited with bolstering the alliance’s performance in the election.

Milind Deora, Shiv Sena MP, voiced his hopes for Shinde’s retention as Chief Minister, stating on Saturday, “We hope Eknath Shinde will retain the chair, but the final decision will be made by the top leadership of the united alliance.”

As the deadline for forming a new government approaches, the tension surrounding the leadership decision in Maharashtra remains high, with all eyes on the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance to determine the state’s political future.

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