Maharashtra’s political stalemate over its next Chief Minister continues, as caretaker CM Eknath Shinde, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, and NCP leader Ajit Pawar held a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi late Thursday. Despite a two-hour discussion that lasted until midnight, no consensus was reached.

The meeting, which also included BJP President JP Nadda, reportedly focused on cabinet berth allocations. Shinde described the discussions as “good and positive” and mentioned that another meeting would take place in Mumbai. Meanwhile, Fadnavis thanked Amit Shah for his support during the elections, crediting him for inspiring BJP workers and contributing to the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) decisive victory in Maharashtra.

“I expressed my gratitude to Union Minister Amitbhai Shah for his immense support during the crucial Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 and for motivating our karyakartas (party workers),” Fadnavis tweeted. He added that BJP President JP Nadda, Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar, and other leaders from the Mahayuti alliance were also part of the meeting.

Historic Win for Mahayuti Alliance

The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (led by Shinde), and Ajit Pawar's NCP faction, secured a landslide victory on November 23, winning 230 out of 288 Assembly seats. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats, followed by the Shiv Sena with 57 seats and the NCP with 41. Despite this significant mandate, the alliance has struggled to finalize a Chief Ministerial candidate.

Speculations Around the Leadership and Swearing-In

Sources indicate that the BJP is pushing for around 20 ministerial positions in the new cabinet, with the Shiv Sena likely to secure more portfolios than the NCP. Although no specific portfolios were discussed during Thursday’s meeting, further talks are expected, with a decision anticipated during a Mahayuti meeting in Mumbai.

The swearing-in ceremony is tentatively scheduled for December 2 or 5, after the BJP’s legislative party meeting. Speculation suggests that Devendra Fadnavis may reclaim the Chief Minister’s position, given the BJP's dominant electoral performance. A power-sharing arrangement, potentially featuring two Deputy Chief Ministers to represent the alliance’s three key partners, is also under consideration.

Shinde, who resigned earlier this week but continues as caretaker Chief Minister, has expressed willingness to accept the BJP’s decision. “I will not be an obstacle. Whatever decision is made by the Prime Minister, I will support it,” Shinde stated at a press conference in Thane on Wednesday.

Opposition Criticism

The delay in forming the new government has drawn criticism from the Opposition. Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole accused the BJP’s central leadership of pressuring Shinde to step aside from his claim to the Chief Minister’s post. He also questioned why it was taking so long to finalize the leadership despite the alliance’s clear majority.

As discussions continue, Shinde remains in Delhi for further consultations, while Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar have returned to Mumbai, where additional talks are expected to shape the state’s new government.