BJP Pushes for Devendra Fadnavis as Maharashtra CM, Despite Resistance from Eknath Shinde

New Delhi: The BJP is moving forward with its plan to reinstate Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister of Maharashtra, brushing aside opposition from its ally, the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction).

Sources suggest the decision has already been communicated to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Ajit Pawar, which reportedly supports Fadnavis’s return to the role he held from 2014 to 2019, as well as briefly in 2019. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena has advocated for the continuation of Eknath Shinde as CM.

BJP insiders remain confident about Shinde’s eventual agreement, given the BJP’s significant numbers in the Assembly. With its 132 seats and backing from Ajit Pawar’s group of 41 MLAs, the BJP easily surpasses the majority mark of 145.

To balance alliances, the BJP plans to offer deputy CM posts to both the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP group. However, key details regarding cabinet portfolios are yet to be finalized.

While the Shiv Sena and NCP have reaffirmed their legislative leaders, Shinde and Pawar respectively, the BJP has not officially announced its pick. However, Fadnavis’s leadership has appeared inevitable since the BJP’s record-breaking performance in the recent elections, credited largely to his strategic planning and execution.

Both Fadnavis and Shinde are expected to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to resolve the leadership issue and finalize the formation of the new government.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Naresh Mhaske reiterated the party’s preference for Shinde as CM, citing the “Bihar model” of governance. Meanwhile, BJP MLC Pravin Darekar endorsed Fadnavis, praising his proven leadership capabilities to steer Maharashtra forward.