Sun Nov 24 16:37:22 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra’s Mahayuti Alliance Wins Assembly Elections, Chief Minister Speculation Swirls

**Mumbai, November 24, 2024** – The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a resounding victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, sparking immediate debate over who will lead the next government. While the alliance celebrated its win on Saturday, Sunday saw intense lobbying among party members for the Chief Minister position.

Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar championed incumbent Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, highlighting the alliance’s success under his leadership. He predicted a smooth transition, with the final decision resting in Delhi. He anticipates a swearing-in ceremony on November 25th at the Wankhede Stadium.

However, BJP leader Girish Mahajan countered, arguing that the BJP’s strong performance (132 seats out of a total of 288), representing an 89% strike rate, entitles them to the Chief Minister’s post. He emphasized that the Chief Minister should be a BJP MLA, implicitly advocating for Devendra Fadnavis.

Adding another layer of complexity, NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal expressed no opposition to Fadnavis taking the helm. The NCP itself elected Ajit Pawar as its leader in the Assembly.

The election results saw the BJP win 132 seats, the Shiv Sena 57, and the NCP 41. The short timeframe – the current government’s term ends on Tuesday – adds pressure to the coalition to swiftly form a new government.

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