Devendra Fadnavis May Be Back as CM After Poll Victory

The Mahayuti alliance continues to be divided over the question of who should be the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra. As discussions intensify, indications suggest that the BJP is keen to accelerate the return of Devendra Fadnavis to the state’s top post, with the possibility of him resuming his duties at Varsha, the CM’s official residence in Mumbai.

Shinde’s Struggles in the Face of BJP’s Dominance

Initially, Eknath Shinde seemed poised for a smooth transition to the CM’s office following the election results, which appeared to favour the Mahayuti alliance. However, the overwhelming success of the BJP in the polls has shifted the dynamics, with the party now looking to leverage its strong performance and position Fadnavis as the next Chief Minister. Despite his tenure as Deputy CM under Shinde’s leadership, BJP leaders believe Fadnavis played a crucial role in securing the party’s sweeping victory.

Shinde’s Reluctance to Step Down

Shinde, however, has shown resistance to vacating the CM post. His argument is strategic: he believes retaining the Chief Ministership will benefit the Mahayuti alliance in upcoming local body elections, particularly the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. With a strong connection to Marathi and urban voters, Shinde’s leadership is seen as key to consolidating the party’s support base in the state’s cities. This could give the alliance an edge in upcoming local elections, further strengthening their hold on Maharashtra’s political landscape.

BJP’s Deliberations and Fadnavis’s Appeal

Despite Shinde’s efforts, BJP’s internal discussions reveal a strong preference for Fadnavis. The party sees his leadership as a way to align Maharashtra’s politics with the broader national BJP agenda, focusing on development and efficiency. Sources indicate that the party’s senior leadership, including PM Modi, Amit Shah, and Yogi Adityanath, played a significant role in pushing the Hindutva narrative during the election campaign, which the BJP believes contributed to its success.

Ajit Pawar’s NCP is also reportedly in favour of Fadnavis assuming the CM role. Although the RSS’s stance remains more subtle, it too seems to favour Fadnavis’s leadership.

The ongoing discussions within the BJP suggest that the decision is far from settled. Senior leaders have held multiple meetings, including one late-night session, but the issue remains unresolved. While Fadnavis’s return to the CM post seems probable, the matter is unlikely to be settled immediately.

Fadnavis’s Leadership and Shinde’s Challenge

Fadnavis, known for his administrative acumen and political savvy, led Maharashtra through a period of significant economic reform and infrastructural development. His governance style, which emphasized aggressive policies, resonates with many voters who are now seeking a return to his leadership. However, replacing Shinde is no easy decision, as the latter has cultivated a strong political base, particularly among regional and Marathi-speaking voters.

The Mahayuti alliance achieved a resounding victory in the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections, winning 233 out of 288 seats, leaving the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) with just 49 seats. This historic win has given the alliance a commanding position in the state legislature, with the current assembly’s term set to end soon.

In the meantime, all 57 Shiv Sena MLAs have been summoned to a hotel in Bandra to elect the new legislature party leader. It is expected that CM Shinde will submit his resignation to the governor early next week, after which he will continue in a caretaker capacity until the new Chief Minister and Cabinet are sworn in.