Tue Dec 03 15:53:21 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra’s Next Chief Minister: Fadnavis Frontrunner Amidst Speculation and Delays

**Mumbai, India –** The suspense surrounding Maharashtra’s next chief minister is expected to end on Wednesday, following the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance’s landslide victory in the recent assembly elections. While BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis, who led the party to 132 of 149 contested seats, is the leading contender, several factors are contributing to delays in the official announcement.

Caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, whose Shiv Sena faction secured 57 seats, has been reportedly unwell and absent from key meetings. His deputy, Ajit Pawar of the NCP (who won 41 seats), has publicly endorsed Fadnavis. However, the BJP’s nomination of central observers, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, to oversee a crucial party meeting on December 4, suggests ongoing negotiations regarding power-sharing arrangements. Statements from Shiv Sena leaders suggest that while Shinde supports the BJP’s choice, his role in the new government remains unclear. Some speculate he might be offered the Leader of the Opposition post.

The delay has sparked criticism. The Shiv Sena (UBT), the faction not aligned with Shinde, denounced the prolonged process, accusing the Mahayuti alliance of disrespecting the election mandate. Congress, meanwhile, has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging irregularities in the election process, citing concerns about EVM tampering. These allegations have been refuted by BJP members.

While BJP leaders have been tight-lipped about the specifics of the power-sharing agreement, meetings between key figures, including Fadnavis and Shinde, indicate intense behind-the-scenes discussions. The swearing-in ceremony for the new government is scheduled for December 5, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to attend. The new government’s formation is keenly awaited, particularly given pending decisions such as a potential increase in monthly social welfare payments.

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