Maharashtra CM News Live Updates: 'PM Modi to decide', says Eknath Shinde amid suspense over CM face

Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis said on Wednesday that the decision on selecting the Maharashtra cabinet will be taken by the next Chief Minister after his name is finalised. Tipped as a front-runner for the CM post, Fadnavis stressed that the Mahayuti coalition of Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP remains united in forming the government.

"Once a chief minister is decided, that person will finalise the state cabinet," the outgoing deputy CM told reporters in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Later, speaking in Nagpur, Fadnavis said the constituents of the Mahayuti are united. "All decisions will be made collectively, and we will hold meetings with our top leaders. If anyone has doubts, Eknath Shinde has made it clear," he added.

Maharashtra NDA leaders are likely to meet the top BJP brass in Delhi on Thursday, sources said, indicating that the formula of one chief minister and two deputy CMs representing the three major 'Mahayuti' constituents will be followed in the new government in the state. While the BJP is tipped to get the chief ministerial post, its two allies -- Shiv Sena Nationalist Congress Party -- are expected to be given the post of two deputies.

Shiv Sena leader and outgoing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had earlier in the day all but cleared the decks for a BJP leader to succeed him, with outgoing deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis seen as the clear favourite for the top job.

Union minister and RPI (A) leader Ramdas Athawale on Wednesday voiced support for Devendra Fadnavis as the next chief minister of Maharashtra but stressed that he would abide by the BJP "high command's" decision on the matter. He also said the RPI (A) will respect the high command's decision if it picks Eknath Shinde as the chief minister.

A day earlier, Athawale had suggested that Shinde could become the deputy chief minister or shift to the Centre and join the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Minutes after Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde all but gave up on his claim to the Chief Minister's chair, the Maharashtra unit of the BJP expressed its gratitude to the caretaker CM and said that the stance adopted by him was in the interest of the people of Maharashtra. "I express gratitude to Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde. Today, he has cleared all suspicions. He told the people that any decision that has to be taken regarding the CM post in Maharashtra will be taken by PM Modi, HM Amit Shah and our central leadership. Whatever decision is made by the central leadership will be accepted by all - this is the role that has been adopted by him in the interest of Maharashtra," Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said.

"Several people raised questions on Eknath Shinde and Mahayuti...A lot of lies were spread but today, he played a role to strengthen Mahayuti and the NDA," he added.

A meeting of Union Home Minister Amit Shah with top leaders of the Mahayuti including Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on Thursday to devise a clear roadmap regarding government formation in the state. Speaking to the media a short while ago, Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde said he has conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he will not pose any roadblock to the process and that the decision of the NDA's central leadership will be final and binding on the Shiv Sena and him. The meeting is likely to see clarity on the question of CM face and portfolio distribution in the new government.

Eknath Shinde's media briefing at his residence sounded much like a farewell speech. Replete with phrases like "common man's chief minister", his address sought to remind the people how his tenure has been marked by people-centric decisions, including the launch of schemes like the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana.

Virtually leaving the decision to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shinde, however, said that the final decision on his role anf future in the Mahayuti will be taken only after a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Thursday.

While maintaining that he will not act as a roadblock to the formation of a Mahayuti government in Maharashtra and that he will abide by any decision the BJP's top central leadership takes, Eknath Shinde may have smartly lobbed the ball into the BJP's court while portraying himself as a leader who does not lust for power.

Asked specifically about the CM face and in what role he sees himself in the new ruling dispensation, Shinde refused a direct answer and said, "A meeting of all three parties (of Mahayuti) will be held with Amit Shah tomorrow (November 28). Detailed discussions will be held in that meeting. After that, a decision will be made," he said.

Addressing the media at his Mumbai residence, Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde said, "For the past 2-4 days you must have seen rumours that someone is miffed. We are not people who get miffed...I spoke with the PM yesterday and told him that there is no obstruction from our end in forming the government (in Maharashtra). You make a decision. BJP's decision is the final decision. Who is the leader of NDA? PM Modi and HM Amit Shah. So, I called up both of them that there is no problem from our end in forming the government in Maharashtra. You make a decision and we will accept the decision...Whatever decision is made by the senior leaders of the BJP regarding the CM post, their candidate will be fully supported by Shiv Sena."

Having virtually announced his support to whatever decision the NDA's central leadership takes with regard to the formation of a Mahyuti government in Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde said his role in the new government will be decided after the  leaders of the three Mahayuti constituents meet in New Delhi tomorrow.

Addressing the media, Eknath Shinde said he will not act as a roadblock to the formation of Mahayuti government in the state and that he has conveyed it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I spoke to PM Modi yesterday and assured him that I will not be a roadblock in the formation of a Mahayuti government in Maharashtra."

Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde says there were several people-centric decisions that were taken during his tenure as Chief Minister. "We worked very hard. We went amidst the people and worked with all our heart for the people of Maharashtra. Be it the Ladki Bahin scheme or any other decision, historic steps were taken by our government," he said.

Eknath Shinde also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the victory of the Mahayuti in Maharashtra and mentioned the various development works undertaken by him for the state. He also mentioned PM Modi's multiple visits to the state and thanked the Prime Minister for his continuous support.

Addressing the media, Eknath Shinde praised the efforts put in by the workers of Shiv Sena and credited them for the victory of the Mahayuti in Maharashtra.

Eknath Shinde said that he served as a common man's chief minister and reminded people of his humble origins.

Eknath Shinde has thanked the people of Maharashtra for the Mahayuti's victory in the state and termed this win as the victory of the people. People voted for the Mahayuti because of its welfare schemes.

Top Mahayuti leaders including Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar will meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Thursday. The meeting comes ahead of the government formation in Maharashtra where the Mahayuti has secured a thumping majority.

A meeting of the National Democratic Alliance partners in Maharashtra will meet in the national capital on Thursday to discuss the formation of the new Cabinet. Meanwhile, MPs of the Shiv Sena are also expected to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi today to greet him after the Mahayuti's victory in the state.

Leaders of the Shiv Sena are assembling at the residence of party supremo Eknath Shinde ahead of a crucial press conference he is expected to address in a short while from now.

Outgoing CM Eknath Shinde will shortly address the media at his residence 'Varsha' in Mumbai amid indications that the suspense over the CM face could end. Shinde is in the race for CM despite the BJP making it clear that Devendra Fadnavis is its choice for the top post. Fadnavis has served as the deputy CM for over 2 years under Shinde as CM despite BJP being the senior partner in the alliance. Will Shinde  relent? All eyes will be on the stand Eknath Shinde articulates at this crucial media briefing today.

Shiv Sena supremo Eknath Shinde is expected to brief the media shortly amid anticipation of an end to the ongoing stalemate within the Mahayuti over who takes charge as the next chief minister. The BJP appears to have conveyed to its Mahayuti partners about its choice of Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister.

Devendra Fadnavis speaks to media while leaving for Sambhajinagar, says: "Discussions are on, decision on next Maharashtra CM will be out soon." He also adds: "I am ready to take over as CM if leadership decides that."

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat said that Maharashtra will have a new government in place latest by December 2. "You will be able to see the new government in Maharashtra maximum by December 2. The swearing-in ceremony will be organised on a grand scale, so I think it is likely to be held at the Wankhede Stadium," Shirsat said.

Shirsat further said that he wishes to see Eknath Shinde to return as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. "We want the CM to be from Shiv Sena. We fought the election under the leadership of CM Eknath Shinde and I believe that top leaders will also bless him," he told news agency ANI.

Outgoing Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde is scheduled to address a press conference at 3 PM today. The presser comes amid suspense over who will be the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Signalling a softening of stance, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske on Wednesday said that his party will accept the decision that is taken by Mahayuti and accept Devendra Fadnavis as our leader, if so decided. Speaking to CNN-News18, Mhaske said, "We are not Uddhav Thackeray who will go away if we are not given the chief minister post."

"We will accept the decision that is taken by Mahayuti and will accept Devendra Fadnavis as our leader of so decided," he said, adding, "Eknath Shinde is not upset."

Top leaders of Ajit Pawar's NCP on Wednesday called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the national capital today. The leaders who met the Home Minister included working president Praful Patel and national general secretary Sunil Tatkare.

"Met Hon'ble Union Home Minister and Senior BJP Leader Shri Amit Shah Ji in Delhi today. Congratulated him on the historic Mahayuti victory in Maharashtra. Had a fruitful discussion on strengthening the alliance further and working for the welfare of the people," tweeted Praful Patel.

Amid the ongoing tug-of-war within the Mahayuti over the CM face, the Shiv Sena is learnt to have sought the crucial Home department for a leader of its party as part of the portfolio distribution in the new government. As per a report by CNN-News18,  Shinde has conveyed to Fadnavis through some senior leaders that the Home ministry should go to the Shiv Sena if he is not made the Chief Minister. Notably, Home and Finance are two portfolios that the BJP has sought to keep for itself. However, given the continuing stalemate over CM face, the Shiv Sena could use it as a bargaining chip.

There is no tussle over CM face in the Mahayuti and an announcement on the alliance's decision regarding the chief minister is likely to come this week, CNN-News18 reported citing top sources in the BJP.

Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule dismissed assumptions of a discord between the BJP and Shiv Sena on the question of CM and said that every party worker wants to see its leader as the chief minister. "Every party worker wants his leader to become the CM. Soon, a good government will be formed," he said.

The Shiv Sena's rising clamour to appoint Eknath Shinde as Maharashtra CM has not gone down well with the top BJP leadership in Delhi which has conveyed its decision to appoint Devendra Fadnavis as the CM to the its Mahayuti partners. While a formal announcement is still awaited, Fadnavis already has the backing of NCP president Ajit pawar and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the BJP's ideological mentor.

The Bharatiya Janata Party will officially announce Devendra Fadnavis as its chief ministerial pick after a meeting of its Maharashtra legislature party in Mumbai soon, party sources have indicated to The Indian Express. The sources cited in the report also claimed that the Shiv Sena's "pressure tactics" have not gone down well with the BJP's top leadership, prompting a communication to Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde conveying the party's decision on Fadnavis as CM.

The political drama that followed soon after the election results in 2019 is unlikely to be replicated this year since the Opposition is severely lacking in numbers while the BJP is close to a majority on its own. With 132 seats in its kitty, the BJP is much better placed to deal with any challenge that an adamant Shiv Sena may pose before it. All it needs is the support of 13 additional MLAs and Ajit Pawar's NCP, with 41 seats, is already aligned with the BJP.

In the Assembly elections held in 2019, the NDA of the BJP and Shiv Sena (undivided) managed to comfortably cross the majority mark, winning 161 of the 288 seats in Maharashtra. The BJP then won 105 seats while the Shiv Sena bagged 56. However, a stalemate that began like the one being witnessed now snowballed into a major controversy as the Uddhav Thackeray-led party claimed the Chief Minister's post, citing a pre-poll promise of rotational chief ministership by the BJP. The BJP denied making any such promise and the stalemate eventually resulted in the alliance breaking off. High drama followed over the next month and ended on November 30 with the appointment of Uddhav Thackeray as Chief Minister of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government of the Shiv Sena, Congress and the NCP.

Even as the impasse over the new Maharashtra CM continues, a senior BJP leader has been quoted as saying that the party has conveyed its decision to appoint Devendra Fadnavis as CM to the Shiv Sena as well as NCP and that a meeting of the joint legislative party will be conveyed soon to collectively endorse the decision.

Amid the continuing stalemate over the NDA's pick as new Maharashtra chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis has found backing from Mahayuti ally and fellow Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has also conveyed to the BJP of its support for Fadnavis as the new chief minister.

The BJP leadership is reportedly 'unhappy' with the Shiv Sena insisting on Eknath Shinde's continuation as Chief Minister despite there being no such pre-poll agreement between them. The BJP, it is learnt, has decided to press ahead with Devendra Fadnavis as its choice for Chief Minister. A decision, says sources, is expected soon.

With the BJP learnt to have made up its mind to back Devendra Fadnavis as the new Maharashtra chief minister, the party has not claimed that it had made no commitment to the Shiv Sena on the continuation of Eknath Shinde as the CM. BJP spokesperson Prem Shukla said that the 'Bihar model' cannot apply in Maharashtra, and that the party's leadership maintained throughout polls that the CM will be decided based on the performance of all alliance partners.

"In Maharashtra, there is no reason for such a commitment as we have a stronger organisational base and leadership. Above all, the party never gave any commitment of continuing with Shinde as CM after the elections," Shukla told The Indian Express.

The Bihar model refers to the arrangement between the BJP and the JD(U) where Nitish Kumar serves as Chief Minister despite the BJP being the senior partner in the alliance. However, the NDA has entered the elections with Nitish as the CM face.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has refuted reports of a discord with the Shiv Sena on the issue of who will be the chief minister and maintained that the decision will be arrived at without any dispute. As per an NDTV report, the BJP has, however, made it clear that the decision will honour the sentiments of the party workers in Maharashtra.

The suspense over the name of the new Maharashtra Chief Minister has entered its fourth day today amid no consensus in the Mahyuti even as the BJP and Shiv Sena maintain that the decision will be arrived at soon without any dispute. At stake is the fate of Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde -- both top leaders of the BJP and Shiv Sena, respectively. Fadnavis, a two-time CM, is credited with guiding the BJP to its best-ever performance in the state, especially after the drubbing it received in the Lok Sabha elections barely six months ago.

On the other hand is outgoing CM Eknath Shinde, projected by the Shiv Sena as the brainchild behind the Ladki Bahin scheme that is believed to have played a key role in the Mahayuti's improved tally in the state. The Shiv Sena has also cited the numerous development works carried out under Shinde as CM. Soon after the election results, the Sena had said that there had been no agreement within the Mahayuti that the party with the highest number of seats will claim the post of CM.

A Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator from Mumbai alleged discrepancies between the votes cast and those counted in the EVMs, amplifying concerns within the opposition. “Almost all candidates have expressed doubts about the EVMs,” the MLA stated.

The process requires a deposit of Rs 41,000, refundable if any tampering is detected. The microcontroller, embedded in the EVM units at the time of manufacturing, is a one-time programmable chip, as per the Supreme Court's directive.

Khan referred to an April 26 Supreme Court judgment, which mandates that post-election, 5 percent of EVMs - including the control unit, ballot unit, and VVPAT - per assembly constituency must be checked for tampering or modification. This process is carried out by engineers from EVM manufacturers. Candidates in the second or third position can file a written request for such verification within seven days of the election results.

Congress leader Arif Naseem Khan, who lost the Chandivali constituency in Mumbai, stated that he had discussed the issue with Thackeray. “We are receiving complaints from various parts of the state questioning the election results. In a democracy, these concerns must be addressed. I, along with others who were defeated, am in the process of applying for verification,” Khan said.

In the assembly polls, the Mahayuti coalition, comprising the Shiv Sena, BJP, and a faction of the NCP, secured a commanding victory, winning 230 of the 288 seats. In contrast, the MVA managed to win only 46 seats. Among the opposition, the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) emerged as the largest party with 20 seats, followed by the Congress with 16, and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction with 10 seats.

During a meeting on Tuesday with Uddhav Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), several defeated candidates expressed concerns over the EVMs. Thackeray convened the meeting at his residence in Mumbai to assess his party's poor performance.

Candidates from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), who faced a significant defeat in the recent Maharashtra assembly elections, have decided to request a verification of the EVM-Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) in their respective constituencies. This decision comes amid allegations and suspicions about the functioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), as reported by an opposition alliance leader.

MLAs in Eknath Shinde's camp are hopeful that the incumbent Chief Minister will remain in office, as it was under his leadership that the Mahayuti alliance won the assembly elections. The Maharashtra assembly elections took place on November 20, and the results were announced on November 23.

•  In a clear signal of the ongoing discussions in Maharashtra regarding the leadership of the new Mahayuti government, senior alliance partner BJP rejected the idea of adopting a Bihar-style arrangement, as proposed by some Shiv Sena leaders pushing for Eknath Shinde to return as Chief Minister.
• Responding to suggestions from the Sena camp that referred to the Bihar model, where NDA partner JD(U)'s Nitish Kumar is Chief Minister, BJP national spokesperson Prem Shukla told The Indian Express, "The Bihar model is not applicable to Maharashtra. In Bihar, BJP had committed to making Nitish Kumar the Chief Minister before the elections and honored that commitment. In Maharashtra, there is no such commitment, as we have a stronger organizational base and leadership."

The Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) faced a setback in the state assembly elections. The grand old party recorded one of its poorest performances, securing only 16 seats. Sharad Pawar's NCP (SCP) won just 10 seats, while Uddhav Thackeray's UBT managed to secure only 20 seats.

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance made a strong comeback in the state assembly elections, securing 230 seats in the 288-member house. Recovering from its losses in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 132 constituencies, the highest among all Mahayuti constituents. Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP also performed well, with Shiv Sena winning 57 seats and NCP securing 41 seats.

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of Maharahstra government formation. Four days have passed and despite a thumping majority, Mahayuti alliance has not been able to announce the name of the next CM of the state. From Devendra Fadnavis to Ajit Pawar, all leaders have been showing a united front. While BJP has cleared Fadnavis' candidature, reports suggest that there is still some room left for final acceptance from the Shiv Sena camp.  Some reports suggest that the final decision will be taken today and the name of the next CM will be announced anytime during the day.