Ajit Pawar - NCP, Devendra Fadnavis- BJP, Eknath Sinde - SS File Photo
TFP Bureau, Mumbai, November 27, 2024: Amid ongoing political maneuvering in Mumbai, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is reportedly working on two potential scenarios to resolve the issue of Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, ensuring a smooth transition without internal disputes. Both plans see former Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis taking a central role in the decision-making process.
According to BJP insiders, Fadnavis is expected to hold discussions with senior party leaders in New Delhi to finalize the modalities. This comes after Eknath Shinde tendered his resignation as Chief Minister on Tuesday morning, a significant development in the ongoing political strategy. Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan has asked Shinde to continue as caretaker Chief Minister until a new one is sworn in.
The BJP-led Mahayuti coalition secured a landslide victory in the recent elections, winning 235 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly.
Two Scenarios Under Consideration
Sources within the BJP have outlined two possible scenarios for the Chief Minister’s post. In the first, Devendra Fadnavis would assume the leadership role for the full five-year term, with Eknath Shinde serving as Deputy Chief Minister. There would be no rotation of power as seen in other alliances, notably Bihar. The BJP leadership has made it clear that they will not repeat the Bihar model, where Nitish Kumar took over as Chief Minister despite the BJP securing more seats.
In this scenario, if Shinde is made Deputy CM, he may be assigned a key portfolio, such as Urban Development or Public Works Department (PWD). Additionally, speculation surrounds Ajit Pawar, who could be given the Finance Ministry while continuing as Deputy CM. The Home Ministry would remain under BJP control, with Fadnavis likely to oversee it.
The second scenario involves potential Deputy Chief Ministers from Shinde’s faction, such as Uday Samant, Shambhuraje Desai, or Deepak Kesarkar. In this case, Eknath Shinde may shift focus to national politics in New Delhi.
The BJP’s alliance partners, including Shiv Sena and NCP, secured 57 and 41 seats respectively in the elections, with several smaller parties also part of the coalition. The political dynamics are expected to evolve as discussions continue in the coming days.
