Maharashtra:
After more than a week of suspense and speculations, the Mahayuti government may finally announce its choice for Chief Minister today following a massive victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections by the BJP-led alliance parties.
Outgoing Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who returned to Thane on Sunday evening after being “unwell,” has reopened the door for the much-delayed power-sharing talks among the Mahayuti allies. Shinde is likely to hold meetings today with BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and NCP leader Ajit Pawar as discussions for the new government continue.
On Sunday, Shinde reiterated his earlier statement that the BJP would decide on the new Chief Minister and assured his full support, ruling out any differences in the alliance over the government formation.
The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party with 132 seats in the recently-held elections, is proceeding cautiously, as the aspirations of its allies, especially Shiv Sena, are high.
Interestingly, the BJP has announced that the oath-taking ceremony for the new Mahayuti government will take place on December 5 in the evening at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending. However, the BJP legislature party meeting to elect its leader—the party’s Chief Ministerial pick—has yet to be held, despite Shiv Sena and NCP allies already electing their leaders.
