Devendra Fadnavis to Take Oath as Maharashtra CM on December 5
Devendra Fadnavis is expected to be chosen as the legislature party leader in a meeting on December 2 or 3 and has been confirmed as the new chief minister of Maharashtra, according to a senior BJP leader on Sunday night.
Will Support BJP's Decision To Select New CM: Eknath Shinde
Previously, the departing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde voiced his approval of the BJP's choice to name a new Chief Minister.
A top BJP official confirmed that Devendra Fadnavis has been selected as Maharashtra's new Chief Minister. The new BJP legislative party meeting is set to take place on December 2 or 3.
Amidst rumors that Shrikant Shinde, son of Eknath Shinde, may be appointed Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena may receive the Home Department, Eknath Shinde mentioned that the decision will be made collectively by the three Mahayuti allies: Shiv Sena, BJP, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
The BJP Emerged As The Single Largest Party With 132 Seats
Over a week after Mahayuti's sweeping win in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, a new government has yet to be established. The BJP secured the most seats, totaling 132.
With anticipation building over the next chief minister of Maharashtra, state BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule has revealed that the swearing-in ceremony for the new government is scheduled for December 5.
Chandrashekhar Bawankule revealed on social media platform X that the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra will take the oath on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 5 pm at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. Prime Minister Modi will attend the event.
The announcement coincides with caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde being in his village after postponing a meeting with Mahayuti's allies. Eknath Shinde, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, and NCP leader Ajit Pawar met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his Delhi residence to deliberate on the selection of the next state CM, but the outcome remains uncertain.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president J P Nadda, and prominent leaders of the ruling NDA alliance, along with chief ministers of BJP-ruled states, are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony. Meanwhile, the administration has started preparations for forming the new government. The winter session of the state legislature is likely to be held from December 16 to 24.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Maharashtra's acting Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, 'I have spoken with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I told him that there are no obstacles from our side in forming the government. The decision is up to you; whatever the BJP decides will be carried out. I assure everyone today that any decision made by the senior BJP leaders concerning the Chief Minister's position and the BJP candidate will have the complete support of the Shiv Sena.'a.'
Posters Calling For Devendra Fadnavis As Next CM In Nagpur
Following the NDA's significant win in Maharashtra, posters emerged in Nagpur advocating for Devendra Fadnavis as the next Chief Minister. Previously, posters in Baramati had depicted Nationalist Congress Party President Ajit Pawar as the future CM of the state. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leaders and supporters are calling for Eknath Shinde to be reinstated as Chief Minister. Consequently, the uncertainty surrounding the CM position in Mahayuti persists.
It is crucial to emphasize that the 'Mahayuti' coalition achieved a significant majority in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. The BJP, a member of the Mahayuti, obtained 132 seats, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena captured 57 seats, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawarit Pawar obtained 41 seats.