Devendra Fadnavis Set To Become Maharashtra Chief Minister As Mahayuti Leaders Stake Claim To Form Government

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis is set to become Maharashtra Chief Minister for the third time as the leaders of Mahayuti alliance on Wednesday (4 December) met Governor C P Radhakrishnan and staked claim to form the government in the state.

Fadnavis, along with Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, met the Governor at the Raj Bhavan and handed him letter of support from Mahayuti MLAs.

The BJP leader will take the oath as Chief Minister tomorrow (5 December) at Mumbai's Azaad Maidan.

Earlier today, the BJP legislature party leadership elected Fadnavis as their leader.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway at Azad Maidan in Mumbai for the grand oath ceremony, coming two weeks after the BJP-led Mahayuti's resounding victory in the state elections.

Speaking at the BJP legislators' meeting, Fadnavis said he was honoured to be named the leader of the legislature party and that he wouldn't be here without the support of the BJP's 132 MLAs.

He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and stated that the BJP’s ‘double engine’ government would drive Maharashtra’s development forward.

With the Mahayuti leaders meeting the Governor and staking claim to form the government, the 11-day suspense over Maharashtra’s Chief Ministerial post has ended.

After the Mahayuti’s sweeping win of 230 out of 288 Assembly seats, Shiv Sena leaders argued that Shinde, who led the alliance during the polls, should retain the position.

However, the BJP made it clear that it would claim the top post this time, having won 132 out of the 148 seats it contested.

Eventually, Shinde announced he would not obstruct government formation and would accept the decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

Shinde lacked sufficient leverage to negotiate strongly, as the BJP requires support from only one ally to secure a majority in the Assembly, with the NCP reportedly offering its backing.