The question still remains as to who will be the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. After the landslide victory of Mahayuti, the churning continues regarding the new Chief Minister. Today, a meeting is being held in Delhi with Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah along with acting Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and NCP chief Ajit Pawar. These three leaders are meeting in Delhi to discuss the name of CM. According to some sources, Devendra Fadnavis’s name is at the forefront in the race for Chief Minister.
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It is being claimed that the way the election results have come in Maharashtra, only BJP will become the Chief Minister. Eknath Shinde had said in a press conference on Wednesday itself that whatever decision is taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, he will accept the service. He had clearly said that there is no obstacle regarding the post of Chief Minister. We all are leaders of NDA and work will be done as per the instructions of our prominent leaders.
Shinde resigned as Maharashtra Chief Minister on Tuesday, days after Mahayuti’s historic victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. The tenure of the current assembly ended on 26 November. The announcement of the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra is being delayed after the victory of the Mahayuti alliance in the state assembly elections. Reportedly, MLAs from Eknath Shinde’s camp are hopeful that the current chief minister will continue in his post, citing his leadership as a key factor in the Mahayuti alliance’s victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. The elections were held on 20 November and the results were declared on 23 November.
Eknath Shinde is eyeing key portfolios for his party, sources said, adding that he is likely to retain the urban development and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) ministries. Apart from this, Shinde is also emphasizing on other departments including revenue, agriculture, health, rural development, industries and social justice. Shinde may also seek a cabinet post at the Center and the role of a minister of state.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar is reportedly lobbying for the post of Deputy Chief Minister as well as the Finance portfolio. However, the BJP is keen to retain control over finances and planning, citing strategic importance. Pawar is also likely to make requests to other key departments including agriculture, food and civil supplies, women and child welfare, medical education, sports, rural development and cooperation.
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The BJP, the key partner in the grand alliance, is adamant on retaining key ministries like Home, Housing, Urban Development, Finance, Irrigation, Energy, Public Works, Environment and Tourism, Parliamentary Affairs, Skill Development and General Administration. BJP is expected to get 21 to 22 ministries. Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) may get 10 to 12 departments. The NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar is likely to get 8 to 9 ministries.
