Maharashtra CM News: Suspense continues as CM name to be decided on Dec 4 on eve of swearing-in ceremony

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, one of the two central observers of the BJP for its legislature party meet in Maharashtra, asserted efforts will be made to unanimously elect a leader and said he feels the neighbouring state will get a "BJP CM".

"Maharashtra BJP legislature party's meeting will be held either on Tuesday or Wednesday. Efforts will be made to unanimously elect a leader in that meeting of BJP MLAs. I and Sitharamanji will attend the meeting as observers and submit a report to the high command for the declaration of a leader, who may eventually become the CM if such a formula is finalised," said Rupani at his residence in Rajkot.

BJP leader Girish Mahajan, who is considered close to Fadnavis, visited Eknath Shinde’s house in Thane Monday evening.

Bharat Gogawale, MLA of the caretaker CM’s Shiv Sena party, on Monday claimed that Shinde did not want to be a part of the new dispensation in the state.

The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Monday said the home portfolio should be given to it.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said the Mahayuti's inability to decide on a chief minister and form government more than a week after the announcement of assembly poll results was an "insult" to Maharashtra.

In a post on X, Thackeray also asked why President's rule has not yet been enforced in the state.

Maharashtra CM News Live: BJP chief Bawankule inspects prep for swearing-in ceremony

Amid speculation that Shiv Sena is keen on the Home portfolio, Eknath Shinde on Sunday said the Mahayuti allies will decide the modalities of government formation through consensus.

The BJP's two main allies in the Mahayuti coalition, the Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party, are each tipped to be given deputy CM positions in the new government.

“I was the people’s Chief Minister. In fact, I used to say I wasn’t just the Chief Minister but the Common Man. As a common man, I understood the problems and pain of the people and worked to address them. Naturally, people feel I should return as the Chief Minister,” Shinde said.

BJP Legislative Party meet to meet at 10 am on 4th December at Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan

The name of the Maharashtra chief minister will be announced on Wednesday, a day ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the Mahayuti government, a senior functionary told PTI.

The BJP and undivided Shiv Sena parted ways after the 2019 Assembly polls over the chief ministerial position.

Uddhav Thackeray later formed the Maha Vikas Aghadi government with Congress and the NCP.

In June 2022, Eknath Shinde led a rebellion, splitting the Shiv Sena and bringing down the MVA government.

Ajit Pawar joined the Shinde government in July 2023, splitting the NCP in the process.

As per a PTI report, Shinde is under pressure from a group of Shiv Sena leaders who think he should not become a deputy CM, having been the chief minister for more than two years. Another group of party leaders insists that he must be part of the new government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the swearing-in of the new Mahayuti government in Maharashtra on December 5 evening

The oath-taking ceremony will take place at 5 pm at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai, state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said.

Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis on Monday called caretaker CM Eknath Shinde to inquire about his health, as per a report by News18.

BJP appoints former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani and Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as the party's Central Observers for Maharashtra.

Key NDA key meet postponed today after caretaker CM Eknath Shinde cancels all appointments due to bad health.

Shiv Sena MP Srikant Shinde, the son of Maharashtra's caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on Monday said the speculations about him getting the deputy CM's post in the new state government were false and baseless.

Full report here.

For Shinde, securing key portfolios is crucial to his political survival. Following the Shiv Sena's split, Shinde has faced continuous challenges from Uddhav Thackeray's faction, which still holds significant sway over a portion of the electorate. By gaining control over influential departments, Shinde aims to not only enhance his administrative authority but also reinforce his political standing. This would allow him to solidify his leadership and position himself as a dominant figure within the Mahayuti alliance.

For the BJP, retaining control over the home ministry is a crucial objective, as it ensures direct oversight of law enforcement, giving the party a significant advantage in both governance and political strategy. This is especially important in the context of speculation that the BJP may reclaim the chief minister’s post, replacing Shinde. Control over key ministries like the Home Ministry is vital for consolidating power and ensuring the party’s influence over state governance.

Shinde is also reportedly seeking other key portfolios such as public works, revenue, industries, and the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). These departments are crucial for overseeing significant infrastructure and development projects across the state, providing him with platforms for greater political visibility and influence.

The home ministry has become a critical point of dispute between Shinde and Fadnavis, highlighting the underlying power dynamics within the Mahayuti coalition. Despite Shinde holding the chief minister's position, the BJP remains the dominant force in the alliance. Many BJP leaders believe Shinde’s push for the home ministry is driven by his awareness of the portfolio’s political clout.

Control over the ministry provides substantial influence over law and order, which is crucial for shaping political strategy, particularly in dealing with opposition parties and rivals.

The home ministry is widely regarded as the second-most influential position in the cabinet after the chief minister. Its minister directly oversees the police force, providing significant leverage in shaping political strategies, particularly in managing opposition parties and rivals.

While the chief minister maintains indirect authority over the home ministry - since major decisions require their approval - holding direct control of the department enhances a leader's strategic and political clout, enabling them to exercise greater influence over key law and order issues and administrative decisions.

In June 2022, Eknath Shinde spearheaded a rebellion that fractured the Shiv Sena, leading to the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government and the formation of a new alliance with the BJP. Upon assuming the role of Chief Minister, Shinde reiterated his interest in the coveted home ministry. However, the portfolio was retained by Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Fadnavis, ensuring the BJP's hold over one of Maharashtra's most influential departments.

In 2019, when the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government was formed by the Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Congress, it was decided that Uddhav Thackeray would assume the Chief Minister's post. At the time, Eknath Shinde had expressed interest in securing the influential home ministry. However, the power-sharing arrangement allotted the home ministry to the NCP.

As a compromise, the urban development portfolio was given to the Shiv Sena, and Shinde was appointed as its minister. While the urban development department is significant, it lacks the political clout and strategic importance associated with the home ministry, which oversees law enforcement and internal security.

Shinde appears to be negotiating his position with the BJP amid ongoing speculations that he might relinquish his claim to the Chief Minister’s post in exchange for key portfolios in the Maharashtra government.

One of Shinde's primary demands is reportedly the home ministry, a portfolio he has long sought. The home ministry is regarded as a crucial department, responsible for overseeing the police force and maintaining law and order across the state. Shinde’s interest in this portfolio has been a known aspect of his political aspirations within Shiv Sena circles for years, highlighting its strategic importance in state governance.

The statement comes just a day before the BJP legislature party meeting, where newly elected MLAs are expected to choose their leader. This development follows Eknath Shinde's recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.

“I was the people’s Chief Minister. In fact, I used to say I wasn’t just the Chief Minister but the Common Man. As a common man, I understood the problems and pain of the people and worked to address them. Naturally, people feel I should return as the Chief Minister,” Shinde told The Indian Express.

Amid the ongoing deadlock over the Maharashtra Chief Minister's post, more than a week after the assembly election results were declared on November 23, caretaker Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Shinde highlighted his connection with the people of the state. Speaking on Sunday, Shinde said, "The people of Maharashtra identify with me because of my 'common man' origins."

Chaturvedi further questioned the lack of clarity in the formation of the government, stating, "None of the three alliance partners has approached the Governor with a letter confirming that they have the required number of seats and are ready to take the oath together. Is the BJP now going to dictate how the Governor should function? Is everything going to be controlled from the BJP headquarters?"

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi raised concerns over the ongoing uncertainty regarding the Chief Minister's post in Maharashtra. She remarked, "Till the time the CM has not sworn in, we will continue to see the tantrums. If Eknath Shinde had given this unconditional support, what made him take a two-day break and miss meetings? I don't understand why he keeps saying that he has no problems, yet we still don't know who the CM candidate is."

When asked whether Shiv Sena had insisted on the home department and if he wanted his son Shrikant Shinde to be the deputy chief minister, Shinde avoided providing a direct answer. Instead, he stated that the decision on government formation would be made through consensus among the Mahayuti allies – BJP, NCP, and Shiv Sena.

“We have already had a meeting with Amit Shah and will soon have another meeting with the three Mahayuti leaders. We will take an appropriate decision after this,” Shinde said.

Upon his return to Thane on Sunday evening, Shinde explained that the trip was simply a break following a demanding election campaign. He also confirmed that his doctors had advised rest due to a sore throat and illness. When asked about Shiv Sena's demand for the home department and whether he intended for his son, Shrikant Shinde, to become the deputy chief minister, Shinde avoided a direct response. Instead, he stated that decisions regarding government formation would be made by the Mahayuti allies through consensus.

The BJP and undivided Shiv Sena parted ways after the 2019 Assembly polls over the chief ministerial position. Uddhav Thackeray later formed the Maha Vikas Aghadi government with Congress and the NCP. In June 2022, Eknath Shinde led a rebellion, splitting the Shiv Sena and bringing down the MVA government. Ajit Pawar joined the Shinde government in July 2023, splitting the NCP in the process.

Senior BJP leader Raosaheb Danve suggested that a unified BJP and Shiv Sena alliance would have delivered a stronger victory. Danve blamed Sanjay Raut for the Sena split, predicting further discord between Uddhav and Aaditya Thackeray.

“If the Shiv Sena had not split, our victory would have been even bigger. We performed strongly even in 2019,” said Danve after meeting Fadnavis.

Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, who narrowly retained his Buldhana seat by 841 votes, accused allies Prataprao Jadhav and BJP’s Sanjay Kute of working against him. Gaikwad alleged that Jadhav and Kute encouraged Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders to field a candidate against him.

“Jadhav urged a close aide of Uddhav Thackeray to support Jayshree Shelke against me. Kute also reached out to Anil Parab from UBT for the same. Why do our allies act this way?” Gaikwad questioned.

Reacting sharply, NCP spokesperson Amol Mitkari advised Patil to refrain from making "loose statements." Mitkari remarked, “Patil should focus on securing a ministerial berth. His chances of becoming a minister this time are slim.”

Shiv Sena MLA Gulabrao Patil has voiced dissatisfaction with Ajit Pawar’s inclusion in the alliance. According to Patil, the Shiv Sena could have won 90–100 seats in the November 20 polls if Pawar's faction had not been part of the coalition.

“We contested only 85 seats. Without Ajitdada, we could have won 90-100 seats. Shinde never questioned why Ajit Pawar's NCP was brought into his government,” said Patil, who served as a minister in the outgoing government. Despite his criticism, Patil lauded Shinde as a “large-hearted man” who preferred fighting challenges over sulking.

While Shiv Sena and NCP have already elected Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar as their legislature party leaders, respectively, the BJP is yet to hold its meeting to elect its leader. A BJP insider claimed that MLAs had not been informed of the exact timing, though sources suggest the meeting will take place today.

Eknath Shinde dismissed speculation about internal discord, reiterating that all decisions on government formation would be made collectively by the alliance. “There are no ifs and buts. My health is fine now, and the work of our government will be written in golden words in history,” he told reporters in Satara, where he was recuperating before returning to Mumbai.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MLA Gulabrao Patil stirred controversy by asserting that the Shinde-led Sena could have secured 90-100 seats if Ajit Pawar's NCP had not been part of the alliance. This statement drew sharp criticism from NCP leaders, including spokesperson Amol Mitkari, who urged Patil to avoid divisive comments.

Despite Shinde’s calls for unity among Mahayuti allies, differences have surfaced. BJP leader Raosaheb Danve suggested that the split within the Shiv Sena affected the alliance’s performance and claimed the coalition could have won more seats had the undivided Shiv Sena contested alongside the BJP.