The political drama in Maharashtra has intensified following the state assembly election results on November 23, leaving political pundits and the people of Maharashtra eagerly awaiting the decision on the next Chief Minister. With the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance’s massive electoral win, the question remains: Who will take the top post—Eknath Shinde or Devendra Fadnavis? The alliance’s meeting in Delhi on Thursday night is expected to finalize the decision, with Fadnavis emerging as the likely candidate for the CM position.
A Thumping Win for Mahayuti
The recent Maharashtra assembly elections were a major turning point in the state’s political landscape. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance delivered an overwhelming victory, securing 230 out of 288 seats in the state assembly. The alliance’s resounding success was particularly driven by the BJP, which won 132 constituencies—more than any other partner in the alliance. Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) also performed strongly, with Shiv Sena winning 57 seats and NCP securing 41.
On the other hand, the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) suffered a significant setback. The once-powerful coalition, comprising Congress, NCP, and the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray, was reduced to just 46 seats—an embarrassing outcome that marked one of Congress’ worst performances in Maharashtra in recent years.
The Next Chief Minister of Maharashtra
Since the election results, the speculation surrounding the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra has been mounting. The Mahayuti alliance, which has emerged victorious, has been in talks about who will take charge of the state government. While both Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis have strong support within their respective parties, the final decision hinges on a critical meeting in Delhi with key political figures, including BJP’s Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Eknath Shinde has served as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister since June 2022, following a political rebellion within Shiv Sena that led to the fall of Uddhav Thackeray’s government. However, despite demands from many Shiv Sena leaders, including his own party colleagues, for Shinde to continue in the role for another term, Shinde has made it clear that he is willing to accept the BJP’s decision regarding the Chief Ministership. Shinde reportedly informed both PM Modi and Amit Shah that he would abide by the BJP’s choice for the CM position. However, sources close to him have indicated that Shinde is unlikely to accept the position of Deputy Chief Minister in the new government, as he feels that the post does not befit a leader who has already served as the CM.
Devendra Fadnavis, on the other hand, is widely seen as the frontrunner for the CM post. Fadnavis, who has served as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019, has been a key player in the BJP’s electoral strategy. His leadership and political acumen have earned him widespread recognition, and many within the BJP believe that he is the right candidate to lead Maharashtra in this crucial phase. Despite Shinde’s rise as a prominent leader, the BJP’s desire to retain Fadnavis in the top post could lead to a decision favoring him.
Alliance Dharma Over Personal Ambition
In the wake of the ongoing negotiations, Shinde’s son, Shrikant Shinde, has publicly expressed pride in his father’s commitment to “alliance dharma.” Shrikant lauded his father for prioritizing collective governance over personal ambition, emphasizing how Eknath Shinde maintained unwavering trust in PM Modi and Amit Shah, putting Maharashtra’s needs above his own political aspirations.
Shinde’s close aides have also stated that he has shown maturity and political wisdom by offering to accept whatever decision the BJP leadership makes, without challenging Fadnavis’ candidacy for the CM post. This statement has further solidified Shinde’s image as a team player, strengthening his position as an important figure within the Mahayuti alliance.
Fadnavis the Likely Choice
As the political situation evolves, many analysts believe that Devendra Fadnavis remains the most likely choice for Maharashtra’s Chief Minister. The BJP’s leadership, which has long placed its faith in Fadnavis, is expected to make the final call. Fadnavis’ leadership abilities, combined with his experience in office and his connection with the electorate, make him the most viable option for the top post.
The final decision, however, will come down to the political negotiations that will unfold in the coming hours. As the meeting in Delhi between Amit Shah, Narendra Modi, and other leaders takes place, political observers are keenly watching to see if the BJP’s power-sharing agreement with Shinde’s Shiv Sena will be a determining factor in the leadership choice.
The Political Implications of Shinde’s Resignation
Despite the ongoing speculation, Eknath Shinde resigned as Chief Minister on Tuesday, in accordance with constitutional norms, after the election results were declared. Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan requested Shinde to continue in a caretaker role until the new government is formed. This temporary leadership transition reflects the constitutional process but also underscores the fact that Shinde’s tenure as Chief Minister was always expected to be transitional in nature.
As the dust settles and the power dynamics shift, the next few days will be crucial in shaping Maharashtra’s political future. The decision on who will lead the state could set the tone for the next phase of governance in one of India’s most politically significant states.
Maharashtra’s political future will largely depend on how the BJP manages its internal power struggles and whether the alliance can maintain cohesion. The ongoing talks in Delhi are crucial to deciding not only the next Chief Minister but also the future direction of the state government. With Fadnavis as the most likely candidate, his leadership will play a significant role in navigating the challenges ahead and consolidating the BJP’s hold over the state.
In the coming days, the people of Maharashtra will be watching closely to see who takes the helm of the state. Will it be Devendra Fadnavis, the seasoned leader with experience and political savvy, or Eknath Shinde, the leader who has defied political odds to rise to prominence?
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