Mumbai: In a highly anticipated announcement following days of suspense and intense negotiations, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) declared Devendra Fadnavis as its legislative party leader on Wednesday. The move reinstates Fadnavis, a seasoned political figure and former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, as the leader of the state. The decision follows a resounding mandate for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in the November 23 assembly elections.
A Delicate Power-Sharing Deal
The Mahayuti coalition, comprising the BJP, the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-Ajit Pawar faction), swept the polls with a decisive majority. However, disagreements over power-sharing delayed the naming of the Chief Minister. The BJP emerged as the largest single party with 132 seats in the 288-member assembly, while the Shiv Sena secured 57 seats, and the NCP added 41 seats to the alliance’s tally.
While the BJP was clear in its choice of Fadnavis as Chief Minister, the Shiv Sena initially pushed for Eknath Shinde, who had led the alliance during the elections. However, in a late-night breakthrough on Tuesday, Shinde reportedly stepped back and agreed to take the Deputy Chief Minister’s position, paving the way for Fadnavis’s return.
Unanimous Decision in BJP Core Committee
At a BJP core committee meeting held on Wednesday, Fadnavis’s name was formally proposed and accepted as the legislative party leader. The announcement was met with jubilation in Nagpur, where celebrations erupted outside Fadnavis’s residence. Party workers and supporters lit fireworks and chanted slogans, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
Swearing-In Ceremony at Azad Maidan
Fadnavis will take the oath of office on December 5 at Mumbai’s iconic Azad Maidan. The grand event is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 19 Chief Ministers, numerous Union Ministers, and an estimated 40,000 supporters. The preparations are in full swing, signaling the significance of the occasion.
BJP’s Record-Breaking Performance
The BJP’s performance in the Maharashtra elections was nothing short of historic. Winning 132 seats, it marked the party’s best-ever tally in the state. This achievement cements the BJP’s growing influence in Maharashtra politics and its leadership role within the Mahayuti alliance.
As Maharashtra gears up for a new government, all eyes are on Fadnavis, who faces the challenge of navigating coalition dynamics while delivering on the massive mandate. With celebrations underway and the swearing-in just days away, December 5 will mark a pivotal moment in Maharashtra’s political history.
