Devendra Fadnavis is expected to become the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the third time. A source in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh confirmed that a power-sharing agreement between the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP has been finalised, as per a report by Dainik Bhaskar.
Under this plan, Fadnavis will serve as Chief Minister for two and a half years. After that, Eknath Shinde will take over. Fadnavis would resign during his term to take on the role of BJP’s national president.
If Fadnavis is promoted to the position of BJP national president before the end of his decided 2.5-year term, other leaders like BJP General Secretary Vinod Tawde or former state president Chandrakant Patil could take over as Chief Minister.
As per reports, it has been confirmed that Shinde will not assume the role before the agreed period. This decision was reached after discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP's central leadership, and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat.
However, sources suggest that this would not sit well with the Shinde-dominated Shiv Sena, which led the poll campaign. The BJP recognizes Shinde's leadership, the success of his Ladki Bahin initiative, and his reputation as an approachable CM. But it also holds that Hindutva forces, as best represented by Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, contributed to the win.
According to sources, Shinde claims that the Mahayuti will benefit from his continued support in the next local body elections, particularly the important BMC polls. As per reports, Ajit Pawar's NCP is also in favor of Fadnavis becoming chief minister.
Fadnavis’s ability to maintain harmony between the BJP and RSS was reportedly a major factor in this decision. On Sunday night, Eknath Shinde was elected as the leader of the Shiv Sena Legislature Party. All 57 MLA-designates unanimously passed a resolution supporting him. As per sources, the deal was that the Sena chairman would be the CM.
Other resolutions praised Shinde’s leadership in securing victory for the party, thanked PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, and expressed gratitude to the people of Maharashtra for their trust in the Mahayuti alliance.
A power-sharing formula has been devised. The plan includes one Chief Minister and two Deputy Chief Ministers. Although other important elements, like who gets what portfolios and how many, are still up in the air, sources stated that the party will offer Sena (Shinde) and Ajit Pawar's group the position of deputy chief minister.
Based on the number of MLAs, ministerial portfolios will be divided. BJP is expected to get 22–24 ministers, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) 10–12, and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) 8–10.
To avoid President’s Rule, the new government must be formed before November 26, when the Maharashtra Assembly's term ends. The formal announcement of Fadnavis’ appointment is expected soon. The swearing-in ceremony is likely to take place this week.
In the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Fadnavis won the Nagpur South-West seat for the fourth consecutive time. He defeated Congress candidate Praful Gudhe in 2014 by 58,942 votes and Ashish Deshmukh in 2019 by 49,344 votes.
Share
Tweet
