The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed two central observers for its legislature party meeting in Maharashtra, which is set to take place on December 3. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani will oversee the crucial meeting, where the BJP is expected to select its leader. The appointment of these observers comes amid growing suspense surrounding the choice of Maharashtra’s next chief minister.
Historic win of BJP in Maharashtra
Over a week after the BJP-led NDA (Mahayuti) secured a massive victory in the Maharashtra elections, the new government is yet to be sworn in. The alliance, which won 230 of the 288 assembly seats, faces a complex situation with the BJP winning 132 seats, Shiv Sena claiming 57, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP securing 41 seats. Despite the landslide win, the process of government formation has been slow, as the BJP and its allies navigate internal discussions on leadership.
Devendra Fadnavis to be the next CM
Devendra Fadnavis, the BJP’s senior leader, is widely expected to be elected as the legislature party leader in the December 3 meeting. All BJP MLAs have been directed to attend the event in Mumbai, signalling its importance. However, there are rising tensions within the alliance, particularly regarding the distribution of power and the chief minister’s post. While Fadnavis remains the frontrunner, the BJP’s decision is expected to take into account the aspirations of its allies, especially the Shiv Sena.
The situation is further complicated by differing opinions within the Mahayuti alliance. Former Union Minister and BJP leader Raosaheb Danve suggested that if the undivided Shiv Sena and BJP had contested the elections together, they might have secured even more seats. On the other hand, Shiv Sena MLA Gulabrao Patil claimed that the Eknath Shinde-led faction of Shiv Sena would have won between 90-100 seats if the Ajit Pawar-led NCP had not been part of the alliance, triggering a strong reaction from the NCP.
BJP taking all precautions
Despite these internal challenges, the BJP is moving forward cautiously, trying to balance the interests of its allies while finalizing the leadership structure. The decision on whether only the chief minister and deputy CMs will take the oath on December 5 or whether ministers will also be sworn in is still pending.
Oath Ceremony is scheduled on December 05
In the meantime, Eknath Shinde, leader of the Shiv Sena faction, had traveled to his native village in Satara district, raising concerns about his satisfaction with the way the new government was taking shape. He returned to Mumbai after a brief stay, during which he developed a high fever. However, Shinde assured reporters that the BJP’s decision on the CM post would be accepted by both him and Shiv Sena, expressing full support for the leadership decision.
The oath-taking ceremony for the new government is scheduled for the evening of December 5 at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to be in attendance. The coming days will reveal how the BJP handles its internal dynamics and finalizes the leadership for Maharashtra’s next government.
