Mon Nov 25 19:38:12 UTC 2024: ## Devendra Fadnavis Likely to be Maharashtra’s Next Chief Minister

**Mumbai, India** – The suspense surrounding Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister is nearing its end. Sources indicate that Devendra Fadnavis is poised to take the helm, with an official announcement expected later today. This decision follows days of intense negotiations within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which secured a landslide victory in the recent state assembly elections.

While both Fadnavis and current Chief Minister Eknath Shinde were contenders for the top post, Fadnavis appears to have secured the support of key alliance partners, including Ajit Pawar’s faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Pawar’s support, coupled with the BJP’s substantial 132 seats, appears to have tipped the scales in Fadnavis’ favor. However, Shinde’s camp is reportedly still pushing for his continuation as CM, highlighting the ‘Ladki Behan Yojana’ (a women’s welfare scheme initiated under Shinde’s leadership) as a major factor in the MVA’s victory and a key electoral asset for future municipal elections.

The final decision is expected to be made following a crucial meeting in Delhi between Fadnavis, Shinde, Pawar, and senior BJP leaders Amit Shah and J.P. Nadda. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale indicated earlier that a consensus on the Chief Minister was imminent.

The upcoming cabinet expansion, expected within the next few days, will also include a seat for the Republican Party of India, Athawale added.

Meanwhile, the opposition continues to raise concerns. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged irregularities in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and demanded a recount. Congress leader Nana Patole echoed similar sentiments, claiming election manipulation. Former Congress leader and now BJP Rajya Sabha member Ashok Chavan commented on the electoral success of the BJP, highlighting the defeat of several Congress leaders who had previously opposed him.

The current CM, Eknath Shinde, is expected to submit his resignation to the Governor on November 26th, paving the way for the new government. Until a new CM is sworn in, the Governor may appoint Shinde as caretaker CM. The absence of a Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Maharashtra Assembly for the first time in almost 60 years is also noteworthy. No opposition party secured enough seats to claim the post.

Read More