Will Mahayuti Replace Shinde with Fadnavis as Maharashtra CM?
Devendra Fadnavis, a two-time Chief Minister of Maharashtra, including a brief second term lasting just a few days, recently addressed the speculation, providing some clarity.
Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024: The Battle for Next CM
As the Maharashtra Assembly election results near completion, all eyes are on the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, which has secured a landslide victory over the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition. The decisive win brings to the forefront the pressing question: Who will lead the state as the next Chief Minister?
BJP’s Position Strengthens
The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and Ajit Pawar's NCP faction, has emerged as the dominant force in the state. Since BJP managed to win most seats, political analysts believe that the party will not give up this time. During the time of the formation of the alliance, Eknath Shinde was given the post of Chief Minister to maintain peace and unity after the split in the Shiv Sena. However, the BJP might now assert itself, with Devendra Fadnavis poised as the leading candidate for the Chief Minister's role.
Devendra Fadnavis Drops the Hints for a Unanimous Decision
Speaking on counting day, two-time Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis offered clarity on the leadership question. He said that it will be decided collectively by the alliance leaders under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. "There will be no dispute about who will be the Chief Minister. It was decided from the very first day that, after the election, the three-party leaders will sit together and decide this," Fadnavis said.
Fadnavis underlined unity in the Mahayuti while assuring that the decision would reflect consensus among the stakeholders. Meanwhile, the supporters of different factions have already initiated campaigns for their favorites wherein the posters show Fadnavis as the next Chief Minister in his hometown Washim.
Eknath Shinde Urges Patience
Current Chief Minister Eknath Shinde conceded that the alliance had been successful but kept himself on a tightrope, saying that "Let the final results come in. Then, in the same way as we fought elections together, all three parties will sit together and take a decision.
The Mahayuti led by the BJP has emerged victorious with a thumping majority, cementing its position as the main coalition in Maharashtra. The verdict on the Chief Minister has been left pending, but BJP's vote bank is considerably strengthened in favor of regaining the control of the state. The days ahead will tell whether Fadnavis comes back to sit in the Chief Minister's chair or the alliance decides to retain Shinde for continuity.