Tue Nov 26 18:28:53 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra’s Next Chief Minister Expected by Wednesday

**Mumbai, [Date]** – The suspense surrounding Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister is expected to end within the next 24 hours, according to Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat. A decision will be reached following a meeting between Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, and senior BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The meeting is scheduled for this evening.

Shirsat indicated that while public sentiment favors Shinde’s continuation as CM, the BJP’s position remains unclear. This uncertainty comes three days after the Mahayuti alliance secured another term in power following the state assembly elections. The BJP won 132 seats, the Shiv Sena 57, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction 41. Shinde submitted his resignation on Monday.

While some, including Ajit Pawar’s NCP and the RSS, have publicly endorsed Devendra Fadnavis for the top post, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale suggested alternative roles for Shinde, such as Deputy Chief Minister or a Union ministerial position. Athawale cited the BJP’s substantial victory as a reason for Fadnavis’s appointment. Reports suggest that Shinde is unhappy with the potential shift in power. The outgoing assembly’s term ends on November 26th.

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