Union Home Minister Amit Shah conducted a pivotal meeting on Thursday night with top leaders of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance to finalize power-sharing arrangements in Maharashtra. The discussions revolved around the allocation of Cabinet positions and the formation of the new government, which is likely to take oath early next week.
After the high-level meeting, Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described the discussions as “good and positive.” He announced a follow-up meeting scheduled for today in Mumbai, where the critical decision on the next Chief Minister is expected to be finalized. The late-night meeting in Delhi included BJP President JP Nadda, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar, and Shinde himself.
Key Highlights of the Mahayuti Meeting:
- New Government Formation: Alliance leaders indicated that the new Maharashtra government could take shape by December 2, 2024.
- CM and Deputy CMs: BJP will retain the Chief Minister’s post, while Amit Shah has reportedly approved the appointment of two Deputy Chief Ministers, one from the Shiv Sena and another from the NCP, the BJP’s alliance partners.
- Eknath Shinde’s Role: Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat commented that Shinde, having served as Chief Minister, is unlikely to accept the Deputy CM post, deeming it unsuitable for his stature.
Speaking to ANI, Shinde remarked, “The meeting was constructive. This was the first step, and we will take the final decision in Mumbai. I fully support the directives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. My focus remains on strengthening the government in Maharashtra.”
No Rift in Mahayuti Alliance
Fadnavis dismissed speculation of discord within the coalition. “Our decisions are always made collectively. There is no difference of opinion in our Mahayuti alliance,” he assured the media.
BJP-Led Mahayuti Secures Majority in Maharashtra
The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance achieved a resounding victory in the recent state assembly elections, securing 230 of the 288 seats. In stark contrast, the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) suffered a crushing defeat:
- Congress won just 16 seats, marking one of its worst electoral performances.
- Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) secured 10 seats, while Uddhav Thackeray’s faction (UBT) managed 20 seats.
As the suspense builds, all eyes are on the Mahayuti meeting in Mumbai, where the announcement of Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister is eagerly awaited.
Stay tuned for updates on the formation of the new government in Maharashtra.
