The face of the Chief Minister in Maharashtra remains undecided. Questions arise as the BJP nearly reaches majority and Ajit Pawar distances himself from the race for Chief Minister. Yet, why is there no decision by the grand alliance on the CM position? It is believed that the BJP high command wants to consider caste equations and take its NDA allies into confidence before making a decision. This is why meetings have been ongoing from Mumbai to Delhi for the past four days. On one side, Maratha leader Eknath Shinde is in the fray, while on the other, Devendra Fadnavis is from the upper castes. BJP also faces the challenge of aligning with the OBC faction. Why is the grand alliance unable to decide on the CM?
Find out...
In the Maharashtra assembly elections, the majority win was achieved by the 'Mahayuti' alliance, with BJP bagging the most with 132 winners. Shiv Sena secured 57 and NCP took 41 seats. JSS gained victory in 2 and RSJP in one seat. BJP fielded 149 candidates this time around, while Shiv Sena gave tickets to 81 and NCP to 59 candidates. The existing assembly's term ended on November 26th. Eknath Shinde resigned from the CM post and remains the acting CM until the new government forms.
BJP observers to first consult allies, then legislators
Before making the decision on the new CM, BJP will seek opinions from its allies and legislators. Party observers will soon reach Mumbai, where talks with alliance leaders will happen first. Afterwards, they will attend the BJP legislative assembly meeting, develop a consensus with party legislators, and finally, announce the CM's name. Which party the CM comes from remains undisclosed.
What does BJP's top leadership desire?
Sources indicate that following such a significant victory, BJP workers want a CM from their party in Maharashtra, aligning with the top leadership's viewpoint to consider their sentiments during the CM selection. There seems to be little conflict in deciding which party the CM should come from. Within BJP, Devendra Fadnavis is the prime candidate for the CM's position. Sources also reveal that BJP's central leadership largely agrees with Fadnavis's name. The complication arises around which ministerial roles to assign Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.
BJP seeks to appease the Shinde Sena
BJP is keen not to rush any decisions without harmony, thus the extensive discussions with alliance partners over the past days. The primary challenge lies in satisfying Eknath Shinde and his party Shiv Sena. NCP has indicated their preference for Fadnavis already.
What challenges does BJP face in making a decision...
- Maharashtra’s election tilted in favor post the upheaval two years ago, with both Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar’s factions proving successful. They significantly won and maintained control. Recognizing their political relevance, BJP is intent on avoiding new controversies before upcoming BMC elections. - The fight for Maratha versus OBC reservation saw leadership by Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis. As Shinde greatly represents the Maratha community, he worked to resolve disputes, achieving tremendous Mahayuti support in votes during the election. Right before the election, this movement was the greatest stressor for Mahayuti, making it hard to sideline Shinde entirely. - Maharashtra politics circles around the Maratha community, with 10 out of 18 past CMs belonging. Eknath Shinde joins this legacy among 288 assembly and 48 Lok Sabha seats. The community heavily influences over 150 assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats. - In 2019, BJP emerged as the largest party but could not achieve power due to the departure of Uddhav Thackeray. After two and a half years, Eknath Shinde's defection from Shiv Sena aligned with BJP, forming the NDA government in 2022, a testament to Shinde's pivotal role in government formation. - BJP was the largest party in 2019 and again in 2022. However, for power, compromises ensued, with Fadnavis placed as Shinde’s deputy ultimately. Similar situations persist today. Naming a BJP CM could reverse the 2022 decision with potential negative national implications. - Shinde's camp references Bihar Model, where despite BJP being the largest party, JDU's Nitish Kumar is CM, a principal face for NDA 2025 elections, implying Shinde’s unannounced lead during elections and rallying decisive victories boosts similar arguments. - A key concern for BJP remains if not Shinde, then who. Shinde's representation spans a broad category, and results have clearly endorsed him as a universal leader. - Shinde being a dominant Maratha figure gives BJP the option to replace him with an OBC face. However, it could spark dissatisfaction among the Marathas, challenging the balance. - Within Maharashtra BJP, Devendra Fadnavis is the leading figure, presented prominently in these elections. His upper caste background doesn't align with OBC demographics seen as critical by BJP. However, sidelining Fadnavis is equally difficult due to his backing and allies like NCP preferring him over introducing a new face for CM. - Amidst strategic calculations, NDA ally and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale's statement is notable. He clarified no pre-election promise was made to Shinde about returning as CM, urging no demands for the position. If unwilling for deputy CM, he suggests Shinde move to Delhi for a cabinet minister role. Observing Shinde’s future moves becomes critical.
