Maharashtra CM decision likely today: BJP sticks to Fadnavis, rejects Bihar formula

The suspense over Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister (CM) continues after Eknath Shinde’s resignation. Shinde stepped down as part of a constitutional obligation since the outgoing assembly's term ended on November 26. However, intense discussions are ongoing within the Mahayuti alliance to decide the next CM, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) favoring Devendra Fadnavis for the position.

BJP national spokesperson Prem Shukla dismissed the idea of following the "Bihar formula," where Nitish Kumar retained the CM’s post despite being in alliance with a stronger BJP. According to Shukla, the BJP has a robust organization in Maharashtra and never committed to keeping Shinde as CM after the elections. Instead, the BJP’s stance has been that the CM decision would depend on the electoral outcome.

Alliance performance and CM decision

The Mahayuti alliance achieved a significant victory in the recent state elections, securing 230 of 288 seats. Of these, the BJP won 132 seats, Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction claimed 57, and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) took 41 seats. Given this outcome, the BJP is keen to appoint Fadnavis as the CM for a third term.

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Shiv Sena leaders have been lobbying for Shinde, arguing that he led the alliance during the elections. However, the BJP’s central leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, appears to favor Fadnavis. A meeting among top leaders is expected to finalize the decision.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has expressed support for Fadnavis, though the BJP has yet to make an official announcement. Reports suggest the party may wait to finalize ministerial portfolio distributions before confirming the CM’s name.

As of now, Shinde remains in a caretaker role. The final decision is expected soon, with the BJP signaling its preference for a leader with proven organizational strength and electoral success.