Wed Dec 04 13:50:39 UTC 2024: ## Fadnavis to be Maharashtra CM, Shinde Named Deputy

**Mumbai, India –** Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra tomorrow, ending a two-week period of uncertainty following the state elections. He will be joined by two deputy chief ministers: Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.

This announcement follows a meeting between Fadnavis and Governor CP Radhakrishnan, where Fadnavis staked his claim to form the government. While initially speculated that Eknath Shinde would again hold the top post, Fadnavis revealed that Shinde would instead serve as his deputy.

The decision concludes a power struggle that began after the BJP’s resounding victory in the recent state assembly elections, securing 132 seats out of 288. The Shinde faction of Shiv Sena won 57 seats, and the NCP 41. Initially, Shinde’s faction pushed for him to retain the Chief Ministership, despite the BJP’s larger mandate, citing the success of their previous government’s welfare schemes. However, Ajit Pawar’s surprise decision to join forces with the BJP significantly altered the political landscape.

Shinde, who led a rebellion against the previous Shiv Sena leadership in 2022, ultimately conceded to Fadnavis’s leadership. He stated that the Chief Minister’s post was a “technical agreement” and that the two would continue to work together. Fadnavis expressed gratitude for Shinde’s support, referencing Shinde’s earlier recommendation for Fadnavis to become Chief Minister in 2022.

The allocation of key ministerial portfolios, particularly the home ministry currently held by Fadnavis, remains a subject of ongoing discussions and is expected to be finalized after the swearing-in ceremony. The unexpected alliance between the BJP, the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s faction of NCP has formed a formidable coalition government.

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