Maharashtra's next Chief Minister: Eknath Shinde or Devendra Fadnavis? Decision tonight

PTC Web Desk: As Maharashtra's Assembly election results were unveiled on November 23, political discussions across the state have been centered on one major question—who will be the next Chief Minister? With the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance securing a resounding victory, the leadership of the alliance, including Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde, are poised to make a decision soon on who will take charge of the state's top post.

A crucial meeting will take place in Delhi Thursday night, bringing together caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, NCP's Ajit Pawar, and Union Minister Amit Shah. The outcome of this meeting will likely determine who will lead Maharashtra, with political analysts suggesting that Fadnavis is the most probable candidate for the CM role.

Despite repeated calls from Shiv Sena leaders urging Eknath Shinde to continue as CM, he has expressed his willingness to accept the BJP's final decision regarding the post. Speaking on Wednesday, Shinde made it clear that he would respect the choice of Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah, reinforcing the party's collective decision-making process. Sources close to Shinde also revealed that he is not inclined to take up the deputy CM role in the new administration. Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat added that Shinde would still be part of the Cabinet, but would not take on the deputy CM position, as it would not be suitable for someone who has already held the office of CM.

Shinde's son, Shrikant Shinde, publicly praised his father's commitment to the alliance and his focus on collective governance over personal gains. He also commended Eknath Shinde for his trust in PM Modi and Amit Shah, putting the interests of Maharashtra above his own political ambitions.

The Mahayuti alliance's overwhelming victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections secured 230 of the 288 seats, with the BJP leading the charge by winning 132 constituencies. Shiv Sena and NCP also performed strongly, securing 57 and 41 seats, respectively. In contrast, the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition suffered a severe blow, with Congress securing only 16 seats, NCP(SP) winning 10, and Uddhav Thackeray's faction grabbing 20 seats.

Following the election results, Eknath Shinde resigned from his position as Chief Minister in accordance with constitutional protocol. Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan has since asked Shinde to remain in a caretaker role until the formation of the new government.