Maharashtra CM Name: This Leader Step in Instead of Shinde or Fadnavis?

Maharashtra CM Name: Despite a decisive win in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, the BJP-led Mahayuti has yet to announce a Chief Minister, with Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde as the main contenders. However, speculation has surged around a third name- Murli Dhar Mohol

By Joseph Mathews Nov 30, 2024, 12:05 IST

Maharashtra CM Name: A week has passed since the Maharashtra Assembly election results, and despite a resounding victory, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance (Mahayuti) has yet to finalize its candidate for Chief Minister. Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP and Eknath Shinde of Shiv Sena are the top contenders for the role, but a new name has suddenly emerged, stirring the political landscape in the state.

As the swearing-in ceremony for the new cabinet approaches, speculation about who would lead the state if neither Fadnavis nor Shinde becomes the CM is on the rise. Social media is abuzz with speculations about another potential candidate: Union Minister of State, Murli Dhar Mohol. Many users are suggesting that Mohol, who was recently elected as a Member of Parliament from Pune, could see his "lottery" struck by an unexpected promotion to the Chief Minister. However, Mohol himself quickly dispelled those rumors.

Mohol clarified the matter over social media, saying, "All the discussions about my name for Maharashtra's CM position going on social media are false. We fought this election under BJP leadership, and our leader is Devendra Fadnavis. Our party decisions are not taken on social media. Whatever decision the parliamentary board has taken, the final say of the party is absolute. So, all those speculations about my name for CM are hollow.

A first-time Member of Parliament from Pune, Mohol won by a margin of victory. During the nomination process, he had faced some challenges. In fact, even during the campaign, Prime Minister Modi had given him a boost. Once Mohol took the oath as an MP, he was made the Union Minister of State.

With the political drama of Maharashtra escalating, the Mahayuti alliance is also discussing who will take how many ministerial positions. On November 28, a meeting took place at Union Minister Amit Shah's residence, and most of the cabinet posts have been finalized, according to sources. It is likely that Maharashtra will have one chief minister, two deputy chief ministers, and a total of 32 ministers in the new cabinet.