Mumbai: The demand for Devendra Fadnavis to be appointed as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra is gaining momentum. Recently, posters supporting this call were seen in Nagpur, with contributions from Ashish Jaiswal, an MLA from the Eknath Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena, and Chainsukh Sancheti, the BJP MLA from Malkapur-Nandaura.
Nagpur South West, Fadnavis’ constituency, is where the posters were displayed. According to reports this evening, Fadnavis’ name has been confirmed as the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra. An unnamed senior BJP leader confirmed this to the Press Trust of India, adding that the BJP legislature party will hold a meeting to officially elect him as their leader, likely on December 2 or 3, NDTV reported.
Shinde reaffirms support for BJP’s CM choice
Earlier in the day, outgoing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, considered a potential contender for the role, reiterated his support for the BJP’s choice for Chief Minister, a statement he made earlier in the week. However, no official announcement has been made yet. Shinde clarified, “This government belongs to the people. I have made my position clear. The final decision will be made by the Honourable Prime Minister and the Honourable Home Minister. BJP MLAs will meet tomorrow to decide. There is no need for concern.”
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Ahead of a crucial meeting with BJP leader Amit Shah on Thursday, sources had hinted that the new Chief Minister would be from the BJP, with two deputies. The delay in the announcement has sparked criticism from the Opposition. Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray called the situation as an “insult” to Maharashtra.
Maharashtra elections
In the recently concluded state elections, the ruling alliance Mahayuti secured a significant victory, winning 230 out of the 288 assembly seats. The BJP emerged as the leading party with 132 seats, positioning it to claim the top post. Meanwhile, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena won 57 seats, and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) secured 41 seats.
