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

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is steadfast in its push to reinstate Devendra Fadnavis as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, despite growing opposition from its ally, the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction).

Sources indicate that the BJP has already informed the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Ajit Pawar, which has expressed support for Fadnavis’s return to the position he held from 2014 to 2019, and briefly in 2019. On the other hand, the Shiv Sena, which has continued to advocate for the leadership of Eknath Shinde, is resisting this move.

BJP insiders remain confident that Shinde will ultimately consent to the decision, bolstered by the BJP’s commanding presence in the Maharashtra Assembly. With 132 seats of its own and the support of Pawar’s 41-member faction, the BJP comfortably exceeds the majority threshold of 145 seats.

To maintain the balance of power within the alliance, the BJP is offering deputy chief minister positions to both the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP group. However, discussions surrounding the allocation of key cabinet portfolios are still ongoing and remain a critical factor in the final government formation.

While the Shiv Sena and NCP factions have reaffirmed Shinde and Pawar as their legislative leaders, the BJP has yet to officially announce its choice for Chief Minister. Nonetheless, Fadnavis’s leadership is seen as a certainty, especially following the BJP’s resounding performance in the recent elections. His strategic planning and ability to navigate complex political terrain have been credited with securing the party’s historic victory.

In the coming days, both Fadnavis and Shinde are expected to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to discuss and resolve the leadership impasse, finalizing the formation of the new Maharashtra government.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Naresh Mhaske reiterated the party’s support for Shinde as Chief Minister, citing governance models from other states like Bihar as examples of successful leadership under similar circumstances. In contrast, BJP MLC Pravin Darekar has strongly endorsed Fadnavis, praising his track record of effective governance and leadership, which he believes is vital for steering Maharashtra toward continued growth and development.