The pace of government formation in Maharashtra is likely to pick up momentum after operations for the formation of the government since June 20, Eknath Shinde, the caretaker chief minister; Devendra Fadnavis, the chief minister-designate; Ajit Pawar, the NCP general secretary; and Amit Shah, the union home minister, the sources said.
This top-level meeting is important, especially given the fact that there has been speculation the BJP may be likely to consider several Maratha leaders for the Chief Minister slot. Though it may be more than obvious that Fadnavis is going to take the CM’s chair for the third term, the caste equations in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly of 288 members have made the decision-making a little more complicated. It is considered that many MLAs are from the Maratha community, and they can affect the decision on the next CM.
Fadnavis, a Brahmin from the BJP, was the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the first time in October 2014 and the second time for 40 days only in 2019. The insiders speaking off the record said that in case the RSS does get its way in the decision as goes with most policy decisions in the state, Fadnovis is likely to be reappointed as CM of Maharashtra. But there have been loud calls within the Shiv Sena, Shinde has spearheaded for him to remain as the Chief Minister. Shinde, however, has conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah that he is ready to accept whoever the BJP decides to be the chief minister.
Shinde, though, is not expected to take on the position of the Deputy CM in the new regime; it was learnt here that he may propose another leader of Shiv Sena for the said portfolio. Sanjay Shirsat of the Shiv Sena said that Shinde would be in the cabinet but would not take the post of Deputy Chief Minister since it would be unsuitable for a former CM.
The recent Maharashtra assembly election saw BJP and its allied partners in Mahayuti bagging 230 of the 288 assembly seats.
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