Shinde, Fadnavis, and Pawar Unite: Stake Claim to Form Maharashtra Government

Mumbai: Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister-elect of Maharashtra, met Governor CP Radhakrishnan today to stake his claim to form the new state government. This development comes after weeks of speculation over the leadership, culminating in Mr. Fadnavis being named for the top post by the BJP.

The meeting was attended by key allies, including Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, who accompanied Mr. Fadnavis to Raj Bhavan. Speaking to the media afterward, Mr. Fadnavis confirmed that the Governor had accepted their claim to form the government, and the oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for December 5 at 5:30 pm, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to attend.

Addressing the recent delay in naming the Chief Minister, Mr. Fadnavis extended his gratitude to Mr. Shinde for his cooperation. "Yesterday, I requested Eknath Shinde to remain in the cabinet, and he has graciously accepted. The Chief Minister’s post is just a technical agreement between us. We have worked together to make decisions and will continue to do so," he said.

Mr. Shinde echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the mutual respect and partnership within the alliance. "Two-and-a-half years ago, Fadnavis recommended my name for Chief Minister. This time, we have recommended his name for the role," he said, dispelling any speculation of discord.

Mr. Fadnavis stated that decisions regarding the cabinet and portfolio allocations would be finalized later this evening. The formation of the new government follows the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance’s decisive victory in the recent state elections, where they secured 230 of 288 Assembly seats.

With the leadership now confirmed, all eyes are on the new cabinet’s composition and the policy directions it will take in the coming term.