The Mahayuti alliance, which secured a resounding victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, is now engaged in a crucial exercise to select the next Chief Minister. The top contenders for the position are Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar. Recently, Fadnavis and Shinde met Union Home Minister and BJP’s chief strategist Amit Shah in Delhi to finalize the CM decision, as the process nears completion.
Although there has been considerable speculation, it appears the confusion regarding the CM’s choice is nearly resolved. Eknath Shinde, who had previously insisted on claiming the top post, has relented under pressure from the BJP leadership. With Shinde’s concession, it seems Devendra Fadnavis is now the frontrunner to assume the role of Chief Minister. This comes just a day after the BJP reaffirmed that it would abide by the central leadership’s decision on the matter.
Shinde himself addressed the media, making it clear that he would not stand in the way of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision. He emphasized, “I have no desire for power and accept whatever decision is made regarding the distribution of power among us.”
Sources suggest that Fadnavis is almost certain to be named Chief Minister, while both Shinde and Ajit Pawar will be appointed as Deputy Chief Ministers. However, the selection process is not without its challenges. One significant issue being debated is the caste composition of the leadership. With a substantial number of Maratha community MLAs in the assembly, there is growing concern within the BJP about balancing caste representation.
Fadnavis, who hails from the Brahmin community, had faced criticism in the past, particularly during the Maratha reservation agitation. Maratha leader Manoj Jarange had even labeled Fadnavis a “Maratha hater” during the protests.
To address this sensitive issue, BJP leader Amit Shah has reportedly consulted senior party figure Vinod Tawde to gauge the party’s approach to this caste-related dilemma. BJP is keen to resolve any uncertainties before officially announcing Fadnavis’s name for the post of Chief Minister.
The new state cabinet is expected to comprise 42 ministers, with the BJP receiving 22 slots, Shiv Sena 12, and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party 10. The BJP’s dominance in the Maharashtra Assembly, having won 132 seats, places the party in a strong position to drive key decisions for the state’s governance.
As discussions continue, it remains clear that the final call on the Chief Minister’s position will be heavily influenced by the central leadership’s strategies and considerations for caste balance within the new administration.
