Will BJP announce Maharashtra’s next chief minister today?

The political spotlight in Maharashtra has shifted to one question: who will be the next Chief Minister? The suspense continues even after the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance’s landslide victory in the recent state assembly elections. While the BJP has remained tight-lipped, speculation is rife, with both Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde emerging as potential contenders for the top post.

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Eknath Shinde, who resigned as Chief Minister on Tuesday following the alliance’s victory, has thrown his weight behind the BJP’s decision. Shinde stated, “I fully support the BJP’s decision,” signalling his commitment to alliance unity. However, many MLAs in Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction are lobbying for his continuation, crediting his leadership as a key factor in the Mahayuti alliance’s success.

On the other hand, several BJP MLAs are pushing for the Chief Minister to be from their party. Devendra Fadnavis, currently serving as Deputy Chief Minister, is the name being most widely discussed. Having previously led Maharashtra as Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019, Fadnavis is seen as an experienced and popular leader in the party.

The Mahayuti alliance’s historic victory in the elections has heightened the stakes for the Chief Ministerial decision. Held on 20 November, the elections saw the alliance secure a resounding 230 seats in the 288-member assembly. The BJP emerged as the largest party, winning 132 constituencies, while Shinde’s Shiv Sena secured 57 seats, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP claimed 41. The results declared on 23 November, marked a significant comeback for the NDA after its losses in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Despite the overwhelming mandate, the announcement of the next Chief Minister has been delayed. The term of the current assembly ends on 26 November, leaving the BJP with little time to finalise its decision. Insiders suggest that intense consultations are ongoing among senior NDA leaders, Mahayuti allies, and newly elected MLAs. The party is believed to be weighing its options carefully, aiming to balance alliance unity with strategic priorities.

Political analysts view this decision as crucial for the BJP’s long-term strategy. Appointing a BJP Chief Minister could consolidate the party’s dominance in Maharashtra, a key state in Indian politics. However, retaining Eknath Shinde might ensure stability within the alliance, especially given his role in bringing the Shiv Sena faction into the fold and contributing to the Mahayuti’s victory.

As the suspense builds, the delay has only added to the intrigue surrounding Maharashtra’s political future. With the assembly term ending soon, an announcement is expected in the coming days. The decision will not only determine Maharashtra’s leadership but also signal the BJP’s broader political approach as it prepares for future electoral battles.

Until then, the question of who will lead Maharashtra remains unanswered, keeping the state and the country watching closely. The choice will undoubtedly shape the state’s governance and influence the national political landscape in the years to come.