The suspense over the next Chief Minister persists. Key leaders from the Maharashtra NDA (Mahayuti) alliance—Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar—met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Thursday, November 28. The meeting, which lasted until midnight, focused on finalizing the CM candidate. BJP President JP Nadda, NCP MP Sunil Tatkare, and Praful Patel were also present, signaling the gravity of the decision.
Eknath Shinde Bows Out of CM Contention
This high-stakes meeting came just a day after former Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde made a significant statement. Speaking to the media in Thane on Wednesday, Shinde declared that he would accept whatever decision Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah made. "I do not crave the CM post," he said, emphasizing that his priority is Maharashtra’s development, which depends on support from the central government. Shinde reaffirmed his loyalty to the Mahayuti alliance, signaling his withdrawal from the CM race.
Final Decision to Follow Key Meeting
According to sources, the final decision on the Chief Minister will be made in an upcoming meeting of the alliance. PM Modi’s approval is considered crucial, and the BJP has yet to officially announce the CM candidate. Insiders suggest that this decisive meeting will settle the ongoing uncertainty.
Maratha Representation Complicates Fadnavis's Prospects
With Shinde stepping aside, Devendra Fadnavis initially appeared to be the leading contender for the CM post. However, caste dynamics have emerged as a critical factor. Among the 235 newly elected Mahayuti MLAs, a significant number belong to the Maratha community. This demographic consideration has made BJP cautious about appointing Fadnavis, who belongs to the Brahmin caste.
Challenges Facing Fadnavis's Candidacy
Fadnavis’s Brahmin background is seen as a potential obstacle, as it could alienate Maratha MLAs. The BJP is reportedly concerned that appointing Fadnavis could provoke discontent among Maratha legislators, risking internal discord. To address this challenge, Amit Shah has reportedly sought advice from senior BJP leader Vinod Tawde. Adding to the complexity, prominent Maratha leader Manoj Jarange Patil, who played a central role in the Maratha reservation movement, has previously accused Fadnavis of harboring anti-Maratha sentiments.
The selection of Maharashtra's next Chief Minister remains shrouded in uncertainty. While Devendra Fadnavis's leadership credentials are strong, caste considerations and alliance dynamics are complicating the decision. As the Mahayuti alliance prepares for its final meeting, all eyes are on the BJP’s high command for the much-anticipated announcement.
(PRAKASH KUMAR PANDEY)
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