The formation of Maharashtra's new government remains uncertain as a scheduled Mahayuti alliance meeting on Friday was unexpectedly cancelled. Caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's sudden departure to his hometown in Satara district has delayed critical discussions on the allocation of ministerial portfolios.

Shinde, along with BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and NCP’s Ajit Pawar, returned to Mumbai early Friday after attending a high-level meeting in Delhi with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda. The Delhi talks centered on finalizing a power-sharing arrangement following the BJP-led alliance's landslide victory in the recent Assembly elections.

Although Shinde described the Delhi discussions as “good and positive,” his unanticipated trip to Satara has paused further negotiations, heightening speculation about who will lead the new government and how key cabinet positions will be distributed. The delay adds to the growing suspense over Maharashtra's political future as alliance leaders work to resolve the leadership deadlock.