Maharashtra Political Transition: CM Shinde Resigns Amid Power-Sharing Negotiations

Amid intense negotiations within the Mahayuti alliance, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde tendered his resignation on Tuesday, fulfilling a constitutional requirement as the assembly’s term concluded on November 26. His resignation sets the stage for appointing a new government, with a significant contest between BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and Shinde for the Chief Minister’s post. Until a new leader is sworn in, Shinde will continue in a caretaker capacity as per Governor C P Radhakrishnan’s directive.

Election Results Driving Power Dynamics

The Mahayuti alliance secured an impressive victory in the recent assembly elections, winning 230 of the 288 seats. Breakdown of results:

• Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): 132 seats
• Shiv Sena (Shinde faction): 57 seats
• Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction): 41 seats

With the BJP emerging as the largest single party, Devendra Fadnavis is the leading contender for the Chief Minister’s post, though Shinde’s leadership during the elections has garnered significant support from his faction.

Top leaders, including Shinde, Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar, are engaged in discussions with senior BJP figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, to finalize the leadership. Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Shirsat hinted that clarity on the CM position could emerge by late Tuesday or Wednesday. However, the BJP central leadership appears cautious, balancing the need for coalition harmony and parliamentary responsibilities.

The BJP is prioritizing the distribution of ministerial portfolios and district guardian positions before announcing the Chief Minister’s name. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale claimed that Fadnavis has been selected for a third term, but no official confirmation has been made.

Additionally, a team of BJP observers is expected to engage with MLAs and party officials to finalize the cabinet formula, ensuring fair representation of all coalition partners.
While the BJP’s decisive mandate strengthens its position, maintaining unity within the coalition remains critical. Senior BJP leaders are carefully weighing the aspirations of the Shiv Sena and NCP to avoid rifts.

This transition marks a critical moment for Maharashtra, with political maneuvers expected to shape the state’s governance for the next term.

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