Maharashtra News: The top leaders of Maharashtras Mahayuti alliance, including BJPs Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Senas Eknath Shinde, and NCPs Ajit Pawar, are set to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Thursday. Speculation is rife that Fadnavis will emerge as the next Chief Minister following the alliances sweeping victory in the Assembly elections. The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 PM, with Shinde, the caretaker Chief Minister, arriving in Delhi earlier at 4 PM.A Resounding Mahayuti Victory in Maharashtra Assembly PollsThe Mahayuti alliance secured a historic win on November 23, clinching 230 out of 288 Assembly seats. The BJP achieved its best-ever performance with 132 seats, while Shiv Sena and NCP won 57 and 41 seats, respectively. Despite this landslide victory, the coalition has been unable to finalize its Chief Ministerial candidate, delaying government formation.Fadnavis Favored Amid Maratha Sentiments and Power-Sharing FormulaSources indicate that Fadnavis is the frontrunner for the Chief Ministers post, but concerns persist over alienating Maratha voters if a non-Maratha candidate assumes the top role. To address this, the new government is expected to have two deputy Chief Ministers representing the three major alliance partners.Ajit Pawar revealed the Chief Ministers swearing-in could take place on November 30 or December 1, with BJP leaders frequently consulting the party high command. Late Wednesday, BJPs Vinod Tawde held a 40-minute discussion with Amit Shah, focusing on government formation and managing Maratha voter sentiments.Shinde Steps Back, Extends Support to BJP DecisionEknath Shinde, who resigned earlier this week but remains the caretaker Chief Minister, stated he left the leadership decision to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP high command. I will not be an obstacle. We will go with whatever decision PM Modi takes, Shinde affirmed during a press conference in Thane.Opposition Criticism Over Delayed DecisionThe Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which faced a crushing defeat with only 46 seats, mocked the Mahayuti over delays in naming the Chief Minister. Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole accused the BJPs central leadership of pressuring Shinde into relinquishing his claim. Senior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat added that the delay reflected confusion within the alliance despite their clear mandate.
