Mon Nov 25 22:55:39 UTC 2024: ## Fadnavis Set to Return as Maharashtra CM in Surprise BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP Alliance

**Mumbai, India –** Devendra Fadnavis is poised to become Maharashtra’s Chief Minister for a second time, leading a surprising coalition government with Eknath Shinde’s faction of the Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s breakaway group from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), according to sources.

The BJP’s top leadership has reportedly given its approval for Fadnavis’s candidature, which has been backed by both Shinde and Pawar. While Shinde and Pawar are expected to serve as Deputy Chief Ministers, a Shiv Sena leader has contested that there has been no internal consultation on Fadnavis’s appointment.

The power-sharing arrangement is said to include approximately 21 ministerial berths for the BJP, 12 for the Shiv Sena, and 10 for the NCP. Key portfolios, including Home and Finance, are expected to remain with the BJP, though negotiations are still ongoing.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to meet with Shinde, Fadnavis, and Pawar in Delhi to finalize the details of the cabinet composition and power-sharing agreement. An official announcement is anticipated following this meeting.

This will be Fadnavis’ second stint as Chief Minister. His previous tenure, from 2014 to 2019, was marked by a coalition with the Shiv Sena. He briefly formed a government with Ajit Pawar in 2019, but it collapsed within 80 hours. This new alliance marks a significant political realignment in Maharashtra.

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