The suspense surrounding Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister might finally end today, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) firmly backing Devendra Fadnavis for the top post, ruling out any possibility of adopting the Bihar formula. This decision comes amidst intense negotiations within the Mahayuti alliance, where Eknath Shinde, the outgoing Chief Minister, has been vying to retain the position.
The speculation around the Chief Minister’s post began after Eknath Shinde tendered his resignation on Tuesday, fulfilling a constitutional obligation following the state assembly elections. However, despite the resignation, uncertainty loomed over who would assume the coveted role in Maharashtra’s government. BJP’s national spokesperson, Prem Shukla, clarified the party’s stance, stating that replicating the Bihar formula, where Nitish Kumar was declared the Chief Minister as part of a pre-election arrangement, was not an option. He emphasized that no such commitment was made to the Shiv Sena during the alliance’s formation in Maharashtra.
Shukla further explained that the Bihar formula was applied to strengthen the BJP’s presence in the state, a goal that was not entirely achieved. In contrast, Maharashtra presents a different political landscape, where the BJP boasts a robust organizational structure and leadership. The spokesperson reiterated that the party had consistently maintained that the decision on the Chief Ministership would depend on the electoral outcome and refuted claims of any pre-election promise to continue with Shinde in the role.
Former Union Minister and BJP’s election coordinator, Raosaheb Danve, also dismissed assertions by some Shiv Sena leaders that Shinde was assured of the Chief Minister’s post. He revealed that the process of selecting the new Chief Minister was already underway, with two alliance partners having finalized their legislative leaders. The BJP, he noted, was expected to announce its choice soon.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that the central leadership of the BJP has taken a firm stance against Shiv Sena’s insistence on Shinde retaining the post. The push from Sena leaders reportedly caused friction within the alliance, leading to the cancellation of a planned show of strength by Shinde’s supporters at Varsha, the Chief Minister’s official residence. According to a senior Sena leader, the BJP has communicated its decision to retain the Chief Ministership within the party, signaling its unwavering support for Fadnavis.
As the Mahayuti alliance gears up for the final decision, all eyes are on Maharashtra, where the BJP’s choice will shape the political dynamics of the state in the coming years.
