Maharashtra govt formation finally gains momentum, 9 days after Maha Yuti swept elections

Mumbai Nine days after the Maha Yuti-NDA won the Maharashtra polls with a huge mandate, the government formation on Monday gained momentum with the BJP planning its Legislature Party (LP) meeting even as ministerial aspirants made a beeline at the corridors of top leaders. 

BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis is the frontrunner for the post of Chief Minister. 

The development follows after caretaker CM and Shiv Sena chief leader Eknath Shinde and NCP president Ajit Pawar, over the weekend, said that the new CM would be from the BJP. 

The BJP’s Parliamentary Board  is sending two observers - former Gujarat CM and party’s in-charge of Punjab Vivek Rupani and Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to Mumbai. 

In a related development, state BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule accompanied by BJP MLC Pravin Darekar inspected the arrangements at the Azad Maidan, where the swearing-in ceremony would be held on Thursday. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, top BJP leaders, CMs of BJP-ruled states are among those who would be attending the swearing in-ceremony.

Who’s who of India including those from politics, business, entertainment, sports, literature besides saints would be present. 

“The swearing in would take place on 5 December at 1730 hrs at an impressive ceremony,” said Bawankule. 

“There are no differences…no one is upset…the BJP is calling its LP meeting and things would be clear by Tuesday or Wednesday who the CM would be,” Darekar said. 

Asked about whoo the new CM would be, he said: “The BJP is a disciplined party. The next CM would be whom the people of Maharashtra want. If people want Devendra Fadnavis, then he will become the CM. It will be announced soon.” 

After the BJP LP leaders are announced, top MahaYuti leaders would meet and then call on Governor CP Radhakrishnan and formally stake claim to form the government. 

It is, however, not yet known whether only the CM and two Deputy CMs would be sworn in now or Cabinet ministers and Ministers of State would also be sworn in. 

As Shinde is unwell, he cancelled engagements for the day and is recuperating at his Thane home. However, a few top leaders of the party met him. 

About the function, BJP MLA Shrikant Panditrao Bhartiya said: “The event will take place at Azad Maidan. Many personalities from various sectors are expected to attend.”