Thu Nov 28 16:50:00 UTC 2024: **Maharashtra Chief Minister Decision Expected Tonight After Delhi Meeting**

NEW DELHI — The suspense surrounding the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra is expected to end later today. Key leaders of the ruling alliance—Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar—are meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to finalize the decision.

Mr. Shinde, in a move that cleared the path for Mr. Fadnavis, stated yesterday that he would accept the BJP central leadership’s decision regarding the top post, stating he wasn’t seeking any particular position. Sources earlier indicated that the Chief Minister would be from the BJP, with two deputy chief ministers.

However, Mr. Fadnavis’s appointment faces potential challenges due to caste dynamics. With a significant number of MLAs belonging to the Maratha community, Mr. Fadnavis’s Brahmin background could cause concerns, mirroring similar backlash in 2014. The BJP is reportedly addressing these concerns before making a public announcement, with consultations including senior party leader Vinod Tawde.

The meeting will also determine Mr. Shinde’s future role, with options including a deputy chief ministership in Maharashtra or a position in the central government. Cabinet composition is also on the agenda, with a potential distribution of ministerial portfolios reflecting the alliance’s seat-sharing agreement: 22 for the BJP, 12 for the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena, and 10 for the NCP. The BJP aims to secure key portfolios, including Home Affairs. The BJP’s claim to the Chief Minister’s post is largely based on its winning 132 seats in the recent elections.

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