Maharashtra's Political Future Hinges on Key Meeting in Delhi
- Posted on November 28, 2024
- News
- By Arijit Dutta
- 147 Views
Maharashtra's political future is set to be shaped by a crucial meeting between Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar, and Amit Shah. Despite Fadnavis being tipped for a third term as CM, Maratha community leaders are being considered, with Shinde confirming he won’t accept the deputy CM role.
A crucial political meeting is set to take place on Thursday night between Maharashtra’s caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. This meeting is expected to expedite the process of government formation in Maharashtra, following the state’s recent assembly elections, which saw the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance win a significant victory with 230 seats in the 288-member assembly.
Reports suggest that BJP’s leadership is considering potential candidates for the Chief Minister’s post, with Maratha community dynamics playing a critical role. Despite widespread speculation that Fadnavis, a Brahmin, would be named for a third term as CM, some Maratha leaders within the BJP are being considered for the position. Fadnavis had previously held the post in 2014 and 2019.
Eknath Shinde, although not dismissing the possibility of supporting Fadnavis, has made it clear that he will respect the BJP’s decision. However, sources close to Shinde reveal that he is not interested in the role of Deputy CM in the new administration. Shinde’s spokesperson stated that the Shiv Sena, led by Shinde, will nominate a different leader for the deputy position, emphasizing the dignity of a former CM.
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The meeting in Delhi follows the dramatic victory of the BJP-led alliance in Maharashtra, where the BJP won 132 seats, Shinde's Shiv Sena secured 57, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP won 41 seats. In contrast, the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi suffered a severe setback, winning only 16 seats. The alliance’s performance has fueled intense speculation about the leadership roles in the upcoming government.
