The swearing-in ceremony of the new government of Maharashtra including the Chief Minister may take four to five more days. Discussions are underway to organize a grand event on December 2, preparations for a large-scale celebration are in full swing. Sources have revealed that while discussions are on to organize the event on December 2, the main reason for the delay in organizing the event is the ongoing tussle within the ruling Mahayuti alliance over the post of Chief Minister.
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The impasse has arisen due to differences between the BJP and Shiv Sena factions over leadership. Shiv Sena leaders are adamant on keeping Eknath Shinde as the Chief Minister and call his leadership crucial for the alliance’s landslide victory. Sena spokesperson Naresh Mhaske said the elections in Maharashtra were fought under Shinde’s leadership and keeping him as chief minister would be an honor to the alliance’s unity and leadership.
However, BJP leaders including MLC Praveen Darekar are advocating for the reinstatement of Devendra Fadnavis as the Chief Minister. With the BJP securing its highest-ever tally of 132 seats in the assembly, many in the party believe Fadnavis is best placed to lead the state government. Meanwhile, the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP, which is also part of the Mahayuti (grand alliance), has reportedly agreed to support BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis for the post of Chief Minister (CM).
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Amid speculation of a possible constitutional crisis if a government is not formed by November 26, officials have clarified that the 15th Assembly has already been constituted after the publication of the election results by the Election Commission. This allays fears of President’s rule, thereby ensuring that there is no immediate legal need to resolve the impasse. The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, won 230 of the 288 assembly seats, leaving the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi with just 46 seats.
