BJP Pushes for Devendra Fadnavis as Maharashtra CM Amid Shiv Sena Resistance
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified efforts to reinstate Devendra Fadnavis as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, despite resistance from its ally, the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde. Sources indicate that the BJP has already communicated its decision to the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction, which appears agreeable to Fadnavis returning to the post he held from 2014 to 2019 and briefly in 2019.
The Shiv Sena, however, is advocating for the continuation of incumbent CM Eknath Shinde. Despite this, BJP insiders remain confident that Shinde will eventually align with the plan, given the BJP’s numerical strength in the state assembly. With 132 seats, the BJP comfortably surpasses the 145-seat majority mark when combined with Ajit Pawar’s faction of 41 MLAs and other independent supporters.
To manage the leadership transition, the BJP is reportedly offering two Deputy Chief Minister positions, one each for the Shinde-led Sena and the Ajit Pawar faction. Portfolio allocations for key ministries are yet to be finalized, as discussions continue.
Fadnavis’s reinstatement appears likely, bolstered by the BJP’s recent electoral success, widely attributed to his strategic planning and leadership. While the Shiv Sena and NCP have reaffirmed Shinde and Pawar as their legislative leaders, the BJP has not made an official announcement, though Fadnavis is considered the frontrunner.
Both Fadnavis and Shinde are scheduled to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to resolve the leadership dispute and finalize the government’s formation. While Sena spokesperson Naresh Mhaske has advocated for Shinde’s continuation, citing the “Bihar model” of power-sharing, BJP MLC Pravin Darekar has openly endorsed Fadnavis, emphasizing his proven governance capabilities.
The outcome of these deliberations will shape the leadership dynamics in Maharashtra, where the BJP’s dominance and coalition management are set to define the state’s political future.
