Mon Nov 25 18:42:27 UTC 2024: ## BJP’s Landslide Victory in Maharashtra Leaves Chief Minister’s Post Uncertain

**Mumbai, India –** The ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition secured a resounding victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, with the BJP alone winning a historic 132 seats. The alliance, comprising BJP, the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, secured a total of 236 seats out of 288. However, the identity of the next Chief Minister remains shrouded in uncertainty.

While BJP won 132 seats, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) secured 57, and NCP (Ajit Pawar) won 41. The opposition MVA, including Sharad Pawar’s NCP, Congress, and UBT Shiv Sena, won a combined 56 seats (10, 16, and 20 respectively).

Claims for the Chief Minister’s post have been staked by all three coalition partners, with BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde), and NCP (Ajit) all expressing interest. However, the alliance has stated that the decision will be taken collectively.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut commented on the BJP’s overwhelming majority, suggesting the party could install any leader as Chief Minister, drawing parallels to similar actions in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. He criticized the BJP’s alleged practice of breaking parties, asserting that only weak individuals engage in such behavior.

Meanwhile, IPS officer Rashmi Shukla’s reappointment as Maharashtra DGP remains controversial, following allegations of violating the model code of conduct. Congress has requested the Election Commission to take action against her.

Current Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is expected to resign on November 26th, paving the way for the formation of a new government. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has met with BJP leadership in Delhi, suggesting a final decision on the Chief Minister is imminent. A swearing-in ceremony is anticipated on November 29th.

NCP MP Sunil Tatkare stated that the BJP’s central leadership will play a key role in deciding the next Chief Minister. The suspense surrounding the next leader of Maharashtra continues.

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