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Maharashtra assembly election results: The Mahayuti is expected to stick to the formula of one CM and two deputy CMs
The numbers suggest that the BJP will be invited by the Governor to stake claim, with Devendra Fadnavis likely to return as the CM. (PTI File)
With a landslide win for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), what role will Maharashtra chief minister (CM) Eknath Shinde play in the new government?
The Mahayuti – the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shinde Sena and Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) – is poised to form the government in Maharashtra before November 26.
The numbers suggest that the BJP, which has 132 seats, compared to Shinde Sena’s 57 and NCP Ajit Pawar’s 41, will be invited by the Governor to stake claim, with Devendra Fadnavis likely to return as chief minister.
Late on Saturday, following Fadnavis’s return to Mumbai from Nagpur, a meeting was held with Shinde, Fadnavis, and Pawar to discuss government formation. According to sources, the allocation of cabinet berths was also part of the discussion. The Mahayuti is expected to stick to the formula of one CM and two deputy CMs.
WILL SHINDE DO A FADNAVIS?
Sources indicate that Shinde may accept the post of deputy CM, along with key portfolios such as urban development, MSRDC, industries, agriculture, water resources, and water conservation.
If this scenario unfolds, it will mark Shinde’s second term in Fadnavis’s cabinet. Fadnavis had previously accepted the deputy CM position in Shinde’s government, displaying political magnanimity. It will now be interesting to see if Shinde reciprocates in kind.
SAINIKS’ EXPECTATIONS
But Shiv Sainiks are of the opinion that Shinde should again become the CM of Maharashtra. Because of his clean image and the way he has helped the BJP with strategies in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh elections, the Shiv Sena expects BJP to repose faith in Shinde and give him one full term of five years. Shinde, however, is expected to negotiate assertively. His image as a popular CM and the “infrastructure man” of Maharashtra is believed to have played a significant role in the Mahayuti’s strong performance. How much the BJP is willing to concede, given their robust numbers, remains to be seen.
As part of the preparations, the Sena led by Shinde held an executive committee meeting, passing resolutions that granted him full authority to form the government and hold discussions with allied parties. The committee also empowered him to appoint legislative leaders, whips, and other key office-bearers.
Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar is expected to receive similar powers in the NCP’s legislative meeting. The BJP is also scheduled to hold its own meeting, where Fadnavis is likely to be elected as the leader of the legislature party. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is expected to introspect its shortcomings, while the Mahayuti will certainly treat this election as a case study after given the landslide victory.
