Devendra Fadnavis to Take Oath as Maharashtra CM Amid Speculation Over Eknath Shinde’s Role
Mumbai’s Azad Maidan is set to host the swearing-in ceremony of Devendra Fadnavis as Maharashtra’s new Chief Minister, marking a significant moment for the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition, which secured a commanding majority of 230 seats in the assembly elections. The ceremony, expected to draw 42,000 attendees, will be graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, and several state leaders. Sources confirmed that the BJP’s central leadership finalized Fadnavis for the CM post, offering Deputy CM roles to Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde and NCP’s Ajit Pawar.
Shiv Sena leaders, however, remain divided over Shinde’s role, urging him to accept the Deputy CM position. Senior leaders Uday Samant and Sanjay Shirsat have stressed the collective demand of newly elected Shiv Sena MLAs, stating they will forgo cabinet posts if Shinde declines. This internal debate has sparked heightened political intrigue, especially as several BJP leaders visited Shinde’s residence before the oath-taking event.
The Mahayuti alliance’s two weeks of negotiations have spotlighted Shinde’s pivotal influence. While Fadnavis and Shinde met Governor Radhakrishnan to stake a formal claim to form the government, Shinde has yet to confirm his participation in the swearing-in ceremony. Security arrangements include over 4,000 personnel, ensuring a seamless event for the BJP’s grand show of strength and unity in Maharashtra politics.
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