Maharashtra CM News Live Updates: Eknath Shinde calls Shah, Nadda meeting ‘positive; CM decision to follow in Mumbai

Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has termed his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda in New Delhi as “good and positive.”

“This was our first discussion. We spoke about various matters, and there will be a follow-up meeting in Mumbai with the Mahayuti leadership to finalize the next Chief Minister,” Shinde said, hinting at a critical decision on the state’s leadership in the coming days.

The decks appear cleared for Devendra Fadnavis to make a comeback as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister. Eknath Shinde of the Shiv Sena has all but withdrawn his claim to the top post, stating in a press briefing on Thursday that the decision now rests with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This move effectively paves the way for Fadnavis to emerge as the BJP’s leading candidate.

Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday said that for him the 'ladla bhai' designation holds more importance than anything else. He also reiterated that there are no obstacles regarding the Maharashtra CM post.

"I cleared my role in the press conference yesterday that there are no obstacles regarding Chief Minister of Mahayuti. This 'ladla bhai' has arrived in Delhi ... the 'ladla bhai' is a designation higher than anything else for me. A meeting will be held on everything," Shinde said as he arrived in Delhi to attend the key Mahayuti meeting at Union home minister Amit Shah's residence.

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis arrives at the residence of HM Amit Shah. Watch

Union home minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda are currently holding a meeting with Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde in Delhi on the next chief minister of Maharashtra. A decision is likely to end the impasse over the issue.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday said people of the country will never forgive those who stole their mandate, a reference to the Mahayuti's victory in the recently-held Maharashtra assembly polls.

Raut put a post on his X handle along with a poster, which said, "Jiska EVM, uski democracy", which means democracy belongs to those who control Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

"The country will never forgive those who stole people's mandate. Wait and watch what happens next," the Sena (UBT) MP said in the post.

Maharashtra CM News Live Updates: Eknath Shinde reaches Amit Shah's house. Watch

Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, who has reached Amit Shah's residence, has no problem in making "ladla bhai" the new Maharashtra chief minister.

A meeting was underway between BJP president JP Nadda and Union home minister Amit Shah at NCP leader Sunil Tatkare's house, NDTV reported. The meeting was also attended by potential CM Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, the channel said.

Maharashtra's caretaker CM and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde arrives in Delhi. He is scheduled to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah tonight.

BJP national president JP Nadda on November 28 reached the house of senior party leader and Union home minister Amit Shah ahead of a crucial NDA meeting to decide the new chief minister of Maharashtra. Mahayuti allies Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP are also set to take part in the meeting to discuss who will get the top position.

NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad on Thursday described the Maharashtra assembly poll results as a well-planned “conspiracy” by the BJP to politically harm his party chief Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) head Uddhav Thackeray.

Addressing a press conference, Awhad, who retained his Mumbra-Kalwa seat in Thane, claimed that the BJP wanted to cause distress to Pawar in his old age. Pawar will turn 84 next month. The BJP also wanted to push Thackeray to the political fringes, he claimed

The meeting of top Mahayuti leaders began at Shah's residence. Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde, BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis and NCP’s Ajit Pawar are in attendance.

BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis met Ajit Pawar at Sunil Tatkare’s house in the national capital before the crucial NDA meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to decide Maharashtra’s next CM.

The meeting of top Mahayuti leaders with Amit Shah is expected to begin at the latter's New Delhi residence at around 8.30 PM. Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde, BJP's Devendra Fadnavis and NCP's Ajit Pawar will be in attendance.

Amid the ongoing stalemate over the CM face in the Mahayuti, Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde on Wednesday said that he would harbour no ill will or animosity regarding any decision that the NDA leadership may take regarding the government formation in Maharashtra. Shinde said he had conveyed to PM Modi and Amit Shah that he would not be a "hurdle to government formation" in the state and that their decision would be acceptable to him and his party. Shinde said he has always seen himself as a common man and not as the chief minister since he understands their problems owing to his own humble upbringing. Shinde also said the BJP backed him during his entire tenure as CM, a hint that there was no reason why he wouldn't return the favour.

However, when asked how he saw his role in the new government, Shinde said the decision would be arrived at the meeting of Mahayuti leaders with Amit Shah in Delhi on Thursday.

Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra's caretaker CM Eknath Shinde departed from Mumbai for Delhi where he is scheduled to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah. A decision on the CM face is expected to be arrived during the meeting which will also see BJP's Devendra Fadnavis and NCP's Ajit Pawar in attendance.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi sought to take a swipe at the Mahayuti over the delay in the announcement of its CM face and forming a government in Maharashtra. "Earlier we got the news that Devendra Fadnavis is the final CM face. But then, Eknath Shinde says that he will accept the decision of the PM. If the decision has been made, then why are they not announcing the decision? We want them to announce the CM's name soon," she said.

The stalemate over the Mahayuti's CM face entered its fifth day on Thursday.

The NCP, which was once a national party, must work hard to regain the status, party president Ajit Pawar told party workers in Delhi. He said that the Maharashtra elections, where the NCP bagged 41 seats, was a positive indication and said that the party must work harder to regain the status. Pawar also said that the party would soon hold a national convention to chart its future roadmap. He also said that women and young blood would be given greater opportunities in the party.

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis arrived in New Delhi a short while ago to attend the meeting of Mahayuti leaders with Union home Minister Amit Shah. Shah is currently in Dehradun and the meeting is expected to begin upon his return, TV reports said. As far as the agenda of the meeting is concerned, the CM face and decisions on Deputy CMs and key portfolios are on the cards.

After an unsuccessful attempt to lead a government after the Shiv Sena's departure from the NDA in 2019, the Maharashtra BJP loyalist who became the CM for the first time in 2014, sprang back into action and is believed to have been one of the key reasons behind the party's return to power (after Shiv Sena split) in 2022. When Eknath Shinde was appointed as the Chief Minister, Fadnavis was forced to swallow the bitter pill and serve as his deputy for over two years.

During his entire tenure, he never complained about his diminished stature in the government he once headed and worked hard to rebuild the party's base in the state. This time, having led the party to its best-ever tally, the ordinary cadre believes it is his time to reap the rewards. He also has the backing of the RSS which sees him as the new Hindutva poster boy in the state where it is headquartered. He also enjoys good relations with PM Modi as well as Amit Shah who see him as a trusted lieutenant.

Despite Devendra Fadnavis being seen as one of the key architects of the BJP's best-ever performance in the state, winning 132 of the 148 seats it contested, the caste factor might deter his return to the post. In a state where Marathas comprise 30% of the population and wield proportionally higher influence in the political and financial realms, Fadnavis, a Brahmin, may be seen as a risk. The Maratha reservation stir was one of the biggest talking points ahead of the elections and the presence of Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde-- both influential Maratha leaders --is seen as a factor that soothed much of that anger.

On the other hand, Fadnavis has the backing of the RSS which could make it difficult for the BJP leadership to get into any political calculations.

With signs of the stalemate over the CM face in Maharashtra ending, the meeting of top Mahayuti leaders will be watched closely for answers to the crucial question of leadership as well as the distribution of key ministries among the alliance partners. Home, Finance are some of the ministries that the BJP is keen to keep for itself. The BJP is also learnt to have demanded as many as half on the 43 ministries the the Maharashtra Cabinet can have. The Shiv Sena and the NCP are likely to settle at 12-13 and 10 departments, respectively.

Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that despite the NDA winning the elections convincingly in Maharashtra, it has been unable to take a decision on the CM face and kept the formation of government hanging.

"When our government was formed in 2018 (in Rajasthan) it only took us two-three days (to decide who will be the CM) The leaders of BJP were creating a big matter out of it. In Maharashtra, they (Mahayuti) have registered a one-sided victory still, they are not able to take decisions," Gehlot told ANI.

The BJP may have found the backing of its allies Shiv Sena and the NCP as far as its decision to have a chief minister of its choice, but that may not automatically translate into the throne going to Devendra Fadnavis. While he may have emerged as the top choice, one cannot completely rule out the possibility of the BJP springing a surprise. Going by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's penchant for doing the unexpected, don't be surprised if the party's final choice defies all expectations.

Ahead of the key NDA meet in Delhi between Mahayuti leaders and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, CNN-News18 reports citing sources that the BJP is unwilling to allow its alliance partners to bag key ministries, including the Home and Finance departments. There were earlier indications that the BJP may use some of the key ministries to use as a bargaining chip with its allies if the question of leadership remains unsettled. However, the party is now learnt to have dug in its heels and is unwilling to let go of key ministries.

Will Devendra Fadnavis return as CM in Maharashtra or will the BJP spring a surprise? All eyes are now trained on a crucial meeting of the Mahayuti's top leaders with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the national capital. The meeting, scheduled to begin at 6 PM today, is likely to see discussions on the question of leadership as well as the distribution of portfolios.

“Our party has given clarity ( on who we want as Maharashtra CM ). BJP's central leadership will take the final decision. Perhaps today the decision will be made…. What problem does Sanjay Raut have if the CM’s name has not been decided for seven days?... We are not such a party who abandons their alliance if we don’t get a seat…” says Naresh Mhaske

Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske said that the name of new CM of Maharashtra will be finalized today. "Our party has given clarity on who we want as the chief minister. BJP's central leadership will take the final decision. Perhaps today the decision will be made," he said.

The party spokesperson on Monday cited the Bihar model to assert that Eknath Shinde should continue as the chief minister of Maharashtra. The Mahayuti coalition retained power by winning 230 of the 288 assembly seats in assembly elections.

NCP supremo Ajit Pawar on Thursday slammed the opposition amid the ongoing EVM row. "In the Lok Sabha elections, EVM was fine because the result was in their (MVA) favour. In assembly elections, the result is different and hence they are blaming the EVM ... There is no truth in the EVM claims," he said.

Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and NCP supremo Ajit Pawar have arrived in Delhi ahead of the key NDA meeting over Maharashtra government formation.

Tipped as a front-runner for the CM post, Fadnavis on Wednesday stressed that the Mahayuti coalition (BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP) remains united in forming the government. "Shinde saheb, Ajitdada (Pawar) and I are together. There is no dispute in the Mahayuti alliance. Before the elections, we had said that all decisions would be taken jointly with our senior leadership. We will take joint decisions," he said.

Maharashtra's caretaker CM Eknath Shinde leaves from his Thane residence for Delhi to attend the key NDA meeting later today.

Amid suspense over who would occupy the top post after the Mahayuti's landslide victory in the recently-concluded assembly elections, Shinde on Wednesday said he will accept the top BJP leadership's decision.

During the previous term of the Mahayuti (BJP, Sena & NCP) government, Ajit Pawar served as the finance minister. But if the alliance goes by the 21-12-10 formula for the cabinet, it is likely that BJP - which gets the lion's share - will keep the crucial finance portfolio.

BJP had to let go six of its portfolios while the Shiv Sena had to give up three when Pawar, along with eight others, were inducted into the Maharashtra cabinet in 2023.

The BJP, according to News18, is keen on keeping key portfolios including Home ministry as well as Finance ministry as the suspense continues over the new chief minister of Maharashtra.

The ruling Mahayuti alliance has devised a 21-12-10 formula for the Maharashtra cabinet. Under the arrangement, the BJP, being the largest party, will secure 21 ministerial berths, followed by 12 for Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and 10 for NCP (Ajit Pawar camp).

Senior BJP leader and outgoing deputy chief minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis has left for New Delhi to take part in the key NDA meeting, scheduled for later this evening.

Commenting on Shinde stepping down as Maharashtra CM, Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant said, "From the decision taken by Eknath Shinde, the whole country got to know how sensible he is. After the meeting, whatever decision Eknath Shinde takes, Shiv Sena and all MLAs will wholeheartedly support it. Some of the workers from MVA are in touch with Eknath Shinde, but forming our government is our first priority. After that, you will see which leaders will be joining us."

Shinde is unlikely to accept the deputy CM position in the new government, according to his close aide Sanjay Shirsat. Shirsat, a Shiv Sena MLA and spokesperson, stated that it would not be appropriate for Shinde, who has already held the top office, to take up the deputy CM role. While Shinde is expected to be part of the new cabinet, the Shiv Sena will nominate another leader for the deputy CM post.

Shinde had earlier expressed his willingness to accept the decision made by the BJP leadership regarding the formation of the new government, signaling his readiness to support the process without insisting on retaining the CM post.

Shiv Sena sources say they only want Eknath Shinde to be Maharashtra deputy CM, as per a News18 report.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar says, “In 2029, the BJP will be left standing alone. Ajit Pawar will retire from the position of Deputy Chief Minister, and his dream will never materialize. Eknath Shinde's party will lose power, and their current value of 50 percent will shrink to just 10 percent".

Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, taking a dig at the prolonged suspense over the next CM, says, “Maharashtra election results were announced on November 21, giving the BJP a big mandate. It’s been a week, but they have yet to announce the CM face. Is it right that, after receiving the people's mandate, instead of fulfilling promises, there’s conflict over the CM face? I hope Maharashtra soon gets a CM who will prioritise the state's interest".

Shrikant Shinde acknowledged his father's faith in the alliance and his service-driven leadership, which he said set an example for future generations. Eknath Shinde, he added, has always prioritised service to the nation over power.

Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde expressed immense pride in his father, Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra's caretaker Chief Minister, for demonstrating the spirit of "alliance dharma" and putting aside personal ambitions in the interest of the coalition. In a post on X, Shrikant praised his father's unshakable bond with the people of Maharashtra, highlighting his dedication to serving all sections of society tirelessly.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut remarked early today, "They (Mahayuti) have a full majority, yet even after 7 days, Mahayuti is unable to decide on a CM for Maharashtra. What is the reason? Why can't PM Modi, Amit Shah, and their leaders decide who the CM should be? Eknath Shinde invokes the name of Balasaheb Thackeray and does politics under the Shiv Sena banner, but their decisions are being made in Delhi. Balasaheb Thackeray's future was never decided in Delhi; it was always decided in Mumbai. We never went to Delhi, there were leaders like Atal Ji and Advani Ji, but we never went to Delhi to beg for anything."

Vinod Tawde, BJP’s national general secretary, met Amit Shah on Wednesday and reportedly discussed the chief minister of Maharashtra. Sources within the BJP said Shah expressed concerns about the consequences of not having a Maratha face in the upcoming new government in the state. The two also discussed local elections.

Speculations about Maharashtra's next Chief Minister continue to grow, with Shiv Sena leaders backing Shinde, while BJP's Fadnavis emerges as the frontrunner, enjoying support from both his party and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Despite the growing buzz, all three Mahayuti allies have refrained from making official statements, leaving the NDA meeting in New Delhi as the moment of clarity for the state's governance.

Leaders of the Maharashtra NDA are set to meet the BJP's top leadership today to finalise the structure of the new state government. Sources suggest that the alliance will adopt a power-sharing formula featuring one Chief Minister and two Deputy Chief Ministers to represent the three major 'Mahayuti' constituents.

The BJP is expected to secure the Chief Minister's post, while its allies — the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) — are likely to take the two Deputy Chief Minister positions

Later, during an interaction in Nagpur, Fadnavis also reiterated the strength of the Mahayuti alliance, assuring that all constituent parties are aligned in their mission to establish a stable government in Maharashtra.

Devendra Fadnavis emphasized on Wednesday that the decision regarding the Maharashtra cabinet will be made by the next Chief Minister once their name is finalized.

Addressing reporters in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Wednesday evening, Fadnavis highlighted the unity within the Mahayuti coalition, comprising the Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP, in forming the government.

"The Chief Minister will be responsible for finalizing the state cabinet once appointed," said Fadnavis, who served as the outgoing Deputy Chief Minister in the previous government.