The suspense surrounding the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra continues as key leaders from the NDA (Mahayuti) alliance—Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar—held a crucial meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Thursday, November 28. The meeting extended until midnight and was primarily focused on finalizing the candidate for the Chief Minister position. The presence of BJP President JP Nadda, NCP MP Sunil Tatkare, and Praful Patel underscored the significance of the discussions.
In a notable development, Eknath Shinde publicly stated his willingness to accept any decision made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah regarding the CM position. Speaking to the media in Thane on Wednesday, Shinde expressed that he does not have a personal desire for the Chief Minister role, emphasizing that his main concern is the development of Maharashtra, which relies on central government support. His remarks indicate a withdrawal from the race for Chief Minister, reaffirming his commitment to the Mahayuti alliance.
According to sources, the final decision on the Chief Minister will be made in an upcoming meeting of the alliance. PM Modi’s approval is considered crucial, and the BJP has yet to officially announce the CM candidate. Insiders suggest that this decisive meeting will settle the ongoing uncertainty.
With Shinde stepping aside, Devendra Fadnavis initially appeared to be the leading contender for the CM post. However, caste dynamics have emerged as a critical factor. Among the 235 newly elected Mahayuti MLAs, a significant number belong to the Maratha community. This demographic consideration has made BJP cautious about appointing Fadnavis, who belongs to the Brahmin caste.
Fadnavis’s Brahmin background is seen as a potential obstacle, as it could alienate Maratha MLAs. The BJP is reportedly concerned that appointing Fadnavis could provoke discontent among Maratha legislators, risking internal discord.
To address this challenge, Amit Shah has reportedly sought advice from senior BJP leader Vinod Tawde. Adding to the complexity, prominent Maratha leader Manoj Jarange Patil, who played a central role in the Maratha reservation movement, has previously accused Fadnavis of harboring anti-Maratha sentiments.
The selection of Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister remains shrouded in uncertainty. While Devendra Fadnavis’s leadership credentials are strong, caste considerations and alliance dynamics are complicating the decision. As the Mahayuti alliance prepares for its final meeting, all eyes are on the BJP’s high command for the much-anticipated announcement.