Maha suspense continues; Shinde skips Mahayuti meet amid rumours of rift

Nearly a week since the Maharashtra mandate, suspense continues over government formation with the reports of rumblings inside the Mahayuti. In the latest development, Shivsena chief and caretaker Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde is believed to have left for his village after receiving a hint that Devendra Fadnavis will be made the new Chief minister for the state.

Fadnavis remains front-runner for CM post

Sources indicate that Fadnavis continues to be the leading contender for the Chief Minister's position. A detailed meeting was held between Amit Shah and BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde to discuss how selecting Fadnavis would benefit the party.

Reports also suggest that the swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place on December 2.

Cabinet portfolios under discussion

Discussions have reportedly taken place regarding potential cabinet portfolios. The BJP, keen on retaining key ministries, is likely to keep portfolios such as revenue, irrigation, and energy.

The Shinde faction of Shiv Sena is expected to retain the airport development ministry. Sources mention that the Shinde Sena has also requested portfolios related to irrigation and energy. Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar is reportedly aiming for the finance, revenue, women and child development, and agriculture portfolios.

Eknath Shinde resign

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had tendered his resignation as the Chief Minister on Tuesday at around 11 am. Shinde submitted his resignation to Governor CP Radhakrishnan at the Raj Bhavan. 

The governor asked Shinde to act as a caretaker chief minister till the new CM is sworn in, as suspense continues over who would be the ruling Mahayuti coalition's choice for the post following its landslide victory.

Despite the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance securing a massive victory, winning 230 seats in the 288-member assembly, consensus has eluded the ruling combine's leaders so far on who should be the next CM. Shinde's supporters have been saying that he should continue as CM as the landslide win was achieved under his leadership. 

Leaders of the BJP, which recorded its highest-ever tally in the state assembly elections, have been pitching for Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis to take oath at the CM for a third time. 

In the recent assembly elections, the BJP secured 132 seats, while allies Shiv Sena and NCP won 57 and 41 seats respectively. The counting of votes for the November 20 polls was held on Saturday. 

(Agency inputs)