The political deadlock over the Chief Minister’s post in Maharashtra is likely to be resolved today, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) firmly backing Devendra Fadnavis. BJP national spokesperson Prem Shukla reiterated that the "Bihar model" of power-sharing—where the Chief Minister’s post was ceded to the Janata Dal (United) despite BJP having more seats—will not be replicated in Maharashtra. This declaration signals BJP’s intent to retain the top post within its own ranks.
Why the Bihar Model Won’t Apply in Maharashtra
Prem Shukla clarified the key reasons why the Bihar precedent is irrelevant in Maharashtra. In Bihar, BJP had pre-committed to making Nitish Kumar the Chief Minister even before the elections. No such pre-election agreement exists in Maharashtra with the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde. Moreover, BJP’s alliance with JDU in Bihar aimed to expand BJP’s influence, a strategy that failed to yield desired results. Therefore, BJP sees no reason to repeat such an arrangement in Maharashtra.
Mahayuti Alliance Deadlock on CM Post
Despite the Mahayuti (NDA) alliance’s impressive victory, no consensus has been reached on who should be the next Chief Minister. The alliance includes BJP, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). With the Assembly’s term ending on November 26, Governor Ramesh Bais has asked Eknath Shinde to continue as caretaker Chief Minister to prevent the imposition of President’s Rule.
Shiv Sena’s Push for Shinde
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat has publicly voiced support for retaining Eknath Shinde as Chief Minister, citing public sentiment. However, Shirsat acknowledged that the final decision rests with BJP’s central leadership. BJP’s stance is clear—any attempt to pressure the party in favor of Shinde has not been well received by its top brass.
Fadnavis Emerges as Frontrunner
Devendra Fadnavis appears to have the upper hand in the race for Chief Minister. The Mahayuti alliance secured 230 of the 288 seats in the Assembly, with BJP winning 132 seats, the Shinde faction 57, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP 41. Fadnavis’ leadership is strongly supported within BJP ranks, and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has also endorsed his candidacy. However, no official announcement has been made yet.
High-Level Meeting to Decide CM
A crucial meeting involving Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled for this evening. Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Shirsat indicated that the Chief Minister's name will be announced following the meeting, and the media will be informed shortly afterward. The suspense surrounding Maharashtra's next Chief Minister is expected to conclude tonight.
PRAKASH KUMAR PANDEY
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