Maharashtra CM Decision on Hold as Shinde, Fadnavis, and Pawar Meet Shah and Nadda

Amid ongoing uncertainty over the Chief Minister’s post in the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda on Thursday night as “good and positive.” Shinde confirmed that a final decision on who will be the next Chief Minister would likely be made after another round of talks, scheduled to take place soon.

“This was a good and positive meeting. It was the first one. We discussed matters with Amit Shah and JP Nadda. Another meeting of the Mahayuti will take place, where we will finalize the decision on who will be the Chief Minister. It will be held in Mumbai,” Shinde told the media after the meeting.

Shinde Denies Objections to CM Role

Before the meeting, Shinde had reiterated that there were no obstacles to him becoming Chief Minister. He downplayed the significance of any internal rivalry. He emphasized his role within the alliance, saying that the title “Ladla Bhai” (favored brother) held more importance to him than any official designation.

“I made it clear in yesterday’s press conference that there are no obstacles when it comes to the Mahayuti Chief Minister’s post. The ‘Ladla Bhai’ has arrived, and this title is more significant than anything else for me,” Shinde remarked.

Shinde also indicated his openness to accepting whatever decision Prime Minister Narendra Modi would make regarding the CM appointment.

Key Leaders Attend Mahayuti Meeting

The meeting, which included Shinde, BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis, NCP’s Ajit Pawar, and other leaders from the Mahayuti alliance, was held in the presence of Amit Shah and JP Nadda. Following the discussions on the formation of the new government, Shinde, Fadnavis, and Pawar returned to Mumbai late that night.

CM Likely to Be from BJP, Power-Sharing Agreement Reached

Sources indicate that the BJP will retain the Chief Minister’s post, while two deputy chief ministers will be appointed, one from each of the alliance’s partners, Shiv Sena and NCP. Amit Shah reportedly approved the power-sharing arrangement during the meeting. The BJP is expected to announce its CM candidate during a meeting of its MLAs in Mumbai on Saturday.

Fadnavis Reaffirms Unity in the Alliance

Devendra Fadnavis reassured the public that there were no differences within the Mahayuti alliance. “There has never been any difference of opinion in our alliance. We have always made decisions collectively. Before the elections, we said the decision regarding the Chief Minister would be taken after consulting all leaders post-election,” Fadnavis said.

Election Results and Alliance Composition

Following the Maharashtra Assembly elections on November 23, the BJP emerged as the largest party, winning 132 seats in the 280-member assembly. The Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, secured 57 seats, while the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar, bagged 41 seats. Despite the BJP’s dominant position, the final selection of the Chief Minister remains a subject of speculation, with both Shinde and Fadnavis being considered for the post.