Tue Nov 26 06:22:39 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra’s BJP Faces Tough Choice in Picking New Chief Minister After Landslide Victory

**Mumbai, India** – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facing a difficult decision in selecting Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister following the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s resounding victory in the recent state assembly elections. While the BJP emerged as the single largest party, securing over 130 seats, the party is carefully considering various factors before announcing its choice.

Current Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, from the Shiv Sena faction allied with the BJP, is being pushed for a second term by his party. However, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), another coalition partner, has indirectly voiced its support for Devendra Fadnavis, the BJP leader and outgoing Deputy Chief Minister.

The BJP’s massive victory, exceeding the majority mark of 145 seats, gives them a strong claim to the Chief Minister’s post. However, the party is navigating complex political calculations. Shinde’s belonging to the Maratha community, a significant voting bloc, weighs heavily in the decision-making process, particularly given ongoing Maratha reservation protests. Fadnavis, on the other hand, is from the Brahmin community. The BJP is also reportedly considering the possibility of an OBC leader.

Furthermore, the BJP is mindful of the upcoming Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections and wants to avoid any decision that might jeopardize its recent electoral success in the city.

Discussions on the matter reportedly took place in Delhi on Monday night amongst key Maharashtra leaders and the BJP’s central leadership. Speculation includes scenarios such as appointing Shinde to a central role, making his son Deputy Chief Minister, and installing a BJP leader as Chief Minister. Another possibility is retaining Shinde for the time being before making a change later.

The BJP leadership is expected to finalize its decision within the next couple of days after consulting with all coalition partners. The choice will hinge not only on internal party dynamics but also on broader social and political implications.

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