The suspense over the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra continues as caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is scheduled to address a press conference today. This comes as the Mahayuti alliance remains divided on who should be nominated for the top position after the state’s recent assembly elections.

In the Maharashtra assembly elections held on November 20 and declared on November 23, the BJP emerged as the dominant party, winning 132 seats in the 280-member legislature. Its allies, Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) (led by Ajit Pawar), secured 57 and 41 seats respectively. Despite the BJP’s clear majority, the Mahayuti alliance has yet to reach a consensus on the next Chief Minister.

Shinde’s Resignation and Uncertainty Over Leadership

On Tuesday, Eknath Shinde resigned as Chief Minister but was appointed as the caretaker CM until the new government was formed. However, who will lead the government is still being determined, with ongoing discussions within the alliance.

BJP Allies Push for Fadnavis

RPI(A) leader Ramdas Athawale, a key BJP ally, called for a quick resolution to the CM issue. Athawale suggested that Eknath Shinde should be considered for a Union Minister position, given that the BJP had won the most seats in the assembly. He also supported Devendra Fadnavis as the next Chief Minister, stating that the BJP should have the right to appoint the CM due to its electoral success.

Athawale highlighted the current situation where BJP leaders are backing Fadnavis, while Shiv Sena leaders prefer Shinde to continue as Chief Minister. Athawale remarked on the tension, stating that Shinde might feel “unhappy” after learning that the BJP high command has reportedly settled on Fadnavis as the next CM.

Athawale’s Suggestions and Shinde’s Reaction

“There is a deadlock. When Shinde realized that the BJP high command had finalized Devendra Fadnavis as the CM, he became a bit unhappy, which I understand. But the BJP has 132 seats, so Fadnavis should be made CM, and Shinde can be given a position as Union Minister,” said Athawale.

As political manoeuvring continues behind the scenes, the alliance must resolve its leadership issue quickly. All eyes will be on the outcome of today’s press conference as the next steps for Maharashtra’s government take shape.