One CM, Two Deputies: Maharashtra Power Deal Settled!

The suspense over who will be the Chief Minister of Maharashtra post-elections seems to have cleared within the Maha-Yuti alliance. Shiv Sena faction leader Eknath Shinde announced that he would support whoever is named by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah, signaling his acceptance of the decision.

Following the election results, Shinde initially attempted to stake his claim as CM. He had earlier allied with the BJP along with his Shiv Sena breakaway faction to become the Chief Minister. However, his comments suggesting that the party with the majority MLAs does not necessarily deserve the CM post hinted at his dwindling confidence.

With clarity emerging after discussions with Modi and Shah, it is evident that BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis is likely to regain prominence. While Fadnavis has been ceremonially named the Maha-Yuti Legislative Leader, his return to the CM post seems almost assured.

In this reshuffle, Shinde, who was CM until now, is expected to be demoted to Deputy CM, reversing their previous roles where Fadnavis served as Shinde’s deputy. Ajit Pawar, known for his knack for securing the Deputy CM position, will continue in that role alongside Shinde. This reshuffle marks a symbolic change in the Maharashtra political landscape, with two Deputy CMs working under Fadnavis.