Tue Nov 26 16:24:30 UTC 2024: ## BJP’s Landslide Victory in Maharashtra Leaves Chief Minister’s Seat Uncertain

**Mumbai, [Date]** – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a resounding victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, winning a record 132 seats as part of the victorious “Mahayuti” alliance. The alliance, which also includes the Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena (57 seats) and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) (41 seats), secured a total of 236 seats in the 288-member assembly. However, the identity of the next Chief Minister remains a point of contention.

While the Mahayuti alliance has stated that the decision will be made collectively by the three parties, claims to the Chief Minister’s post have already emerged from within the BJP, the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar faction of NCP.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut commented on the BJP’s dominance, suggesting that the sheer size of the majority allows the party to install any candidate as Chief Minister, referencing similar actions in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. He criticized Prime Minister Modi’s alleged involvement in such decisions, stating that a truly strong leader wouldn’t need to resort to such tactics.

Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule dismissed claims of pre-election assurances given to Eknath Shinde regarding the Chief Ministership. He criticized the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) opposition alliance, attributing their loss to their inability to accurately assess their political standing. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale suggested that if Eknath Shinde is not appointed Deputy Chief Minister, he should instead join the central government, and further claimed that Devendra Fadnavis is the people’s choice for Chief Minister.

Despite the Mahayuti’s clear win, uncertainty persists regarding whether Eknath Shinde will retain the Chief Ministership or if Devendra Fadnavis will take the reins. Shinde’s supporters have reportedly held prayers at over 100 temples across the state, hoping for his continued tenure.

Meanwhile, post-election violence has been reported, with newly elected Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Siddharth Kharat blaming the rival Shinde faction for the clashes in Mehkar.

The results have left the opposition reeling, with Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) winning only 20 seats, the Congress 16, and the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP securing 10 seats. The future political landscape of Maharashtra now hinges on the crucial decision regarding the next Chief Minister.

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