Days after Mahayuti’s victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which secured 41 seats in the 288-member assembly, has reportedly extended its support to Devendra Fadnavis for the chief minister’s post. Sources informed CNN-News18 of this development following a meeting in Mumbai on Sunday.
However, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction has insisted that Shinde should remain in his position, arguing that the electoral success of the Mahayuti alliance was largely due to his flagship programme, the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana.
Shinde himself had earlier stated, “The people of the state have responded to the welfare schemes with their votes.”
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which won 132 seats, is also advocating for Devendra Fadnavis to assume the role of chief minister.
Government Formation Underway
Sources have revealed that plans for the formation of the new government are nearly finalised. The BJP is expected to have approximately 24 ministers, while Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction will hold around 12 ministerial posts. The NCP is likely to receive 10 ministerial berths in the new administration
It has also been confirmed that the arrangement of one chief minister and two deputy chief ministers will continue.
For further discussions, Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar, and Eknath Shinde are reportedly set to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah. However, some sources have indicated that the leaders may not travel to Delhi as previously speculated.
The Maharashtra election saw the primary contest between the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising six major parties. Independent candidates also demonstrated strong performances, finishing second in 19 constituencies.
Shinde Elected Shiv Sena Legislative Party Leader
On Sunday evening, leaders of the Shiv Sena passed a resolution unanimously electing Eknath Shinde as the legislative party leader. The resolution was proposed by Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant during a meeting chaired by Shinde.
Following the meeting, Uday Samant stated that the party had granted Eknath Shinde full authority to decide on the cabinet composition and the swearing-in process.
Commenting on the development, Shiv Sena candidate Sanjay Shirsat remarked, “There are chances that the Mahayuti leaders will head to Delhi on Monday. Every party worker wants their party leader to be the chief, but the final decision lies with Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar.”
Rahul Shewale, an MP from the Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena, also confirmed Shinde’s unanimous election as the legislative party leader.
Author: VS NEWS DESK
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