Maharashtra CM: Mahayuti meet next week.
Maharashtra CM Race: Mahayuti Leaders Hold Crucial Talks, Another Round of Meetings Next Week
The suspense over Maharashtra’s next chief minister continues, five days after the assembly election results were declared. Despite a resounding victory for the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawar, the leadership question remains unresolved. A series of high-level meetings in Mumbai and New Delhi have yet to yield a final decision.
A crucial meeting of Mahayuti leaders took place on Thursday night at Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s residence in New Delhi. The meeting saw the participation of Maharashtra’s caretaker Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, former Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, NCP leader Ajit Pawar, and BJP President JP Nadda. The gathering was significant as it aimed to finalize the power-sharing formula within the alliance and decide the chief ministerial candidate.
Eknath Shinde, who flew from Mumbai to the national capital, went directly to Shah’s residence on Krishna Menon Marg. BJP President JP Nadda was already present, while Fadnavis and Pawar joined the discussions later in the evening. During the meeting, Shinde reportedly expressed his desire to lead the Home and Urban Development departments in the new government, highlighting his interest in key portfolios that are crucial for the state’s governance.
Sources close to the discussions suggest that the power-sharing talks focused on balancing the aspirations of each alliance partner while ensuring the stability of the government. The BJP, as the senior partner in the alliance, is expected to play a pivotal role in determining the next chief minister. However, the Shiv Sena and NCP factions are also seeking significant roles in the new government, making the negotiations complex.
Shinde has reiterated his commitment to the Mahayuti alliance and emphasized that he will not obstruct the formation of the new government. On Wednesday, he stated publicly, “I will not hinder the formation of the Mahayuti government. I will respect and accept whatever decision the BJP leadership takes regarding the chief minister’s selection.” This statement reflects his efforts to maintain unity within the alliance amidst growing speculation about the leadership race.
Devendra Fadnavis, a key contender for the top post, is seen as a strong candidate due to his administrative experience and popularity within the BJP. However, Ajit Pawar’s growing influence within the alliance adds another layer of complexity to the decision-making process. Political analysts believe that the BJP’s central leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, will play a decisive role in finalizing the candidate to lead Maharashtra.
The delay in announcing the chief minister has led to heightened speculation and uncertainty, with various political observers suggesting that the BJP is carefully weighing its options to ensure a stable and inclusive government. The decision is expected to take into account regional and caste dynamics, as well as the need to maintain a cohesive alliance.
Another round of Mahayuti meetings is scheduled for next week, where final negotiations are expected to take place. Leaders from all alliance partners are likely to convene in Mumbai to finalize the power-sharing agreement and announce the chief minister.
Meanwhile, security and administrative arrangements are being closely monitored in Maharashtra to ensure a smooth transition of power once the new government is formed. The alliance is also under pressure to begin addressing key governance issues, including infrastructure development, farmer welfare, and job creation, which were central to their election campaign.
As the political landscape in Maharashtra evolves, all eyes remain on the BJP’s central leadership and its decision on the next chief minister. The upcoming announcement will not only shape the state’s political future but also set the tone for governance in one of India’s most significant and economically powerful states.