It has been nearly a week since the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly election results were declared, with the Mahayuti alliance—comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction)—emerging victorious with a clear majority. Despite winning more than two-thirds of the 288 seats, the alliance has yet to declare a Chief Minister, causing delays in the formation of the new government.
While Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP remains the frontrunner for the CM position, the political atmosphere has been further clouded by Eknath Shinde’s recent moves, which have only added to the suspense.
Eknath Shinde’s Crucial Moves
Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde has moved to his native village in Satara district following a meeting with senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Thursday. This shift in the base has raised eyebrows, especially as Shinde cancelled a key Mahayuti alliance meeting in Mumbai today. Additionally, his meeting with a leader from the NCP’s Sharad Pawar faction before heading to Satara has sparked further political speculation.
Shinde’s actions appear to signal his ongoing negotiation strategy within the alliance, although he had earlier made it clear in a press conference that he would support whatever decision is made by the senior leadership.
Oath-Taking Ceremony Date Almost Finalised
While the name of the new Chief Minister is still under wraps, sources have indicated that the oath-taking ceremony for the new Maharashtra government is likely to take place on December 5 at Azad Maidan, Mumbai.
The Shivaji Park, which is traditionally the venue for the ceremony, will be unavailable due to the Mahaparinirvan Diwas program on December 6. Wankhede Stadium is also occupied with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches. As a result, Azad Maidan is expected to host the significant political event.
Sources also told ABP News that the ceremony has been scheduled for December 5 because Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unavailable on December 3 and 4, making December 5 the most feasible option for the event.
