Union Home Minister Amit Shah will meet leaders of the Mahayuti alliance in New Delhi on Thursday to finalize critical decisions about forming the Maharashtra government. The meeting will address the selection of the Maharashtra Chief Minister and the distribution of Cabinet portfolios, following the alliance’s sweeping victory in the Assembly elections.

Mahayuti’s Election Triumph and CM Debate

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance achieved a landslide victory, securing 230 of the 288 Assembly seats. With such a decisive win, the focus has shifted to finalizing the Maharashtra Chief Minister. The Shiv Sena, one of the primary allies, had initially pushed for its leader, Eknath Shinde, to take on the role.

However, on Wednesday, Shinde announced that the Shiv Sena would support the decisions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. He assured that there would be no opposition from their side in choosing the Maharashtra Chief Minister.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Ajit Pawar, has already confirmed its support for the BJP. With 132 seats, the BJP emerged as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections and has proposed Devendra Fadnavis as the next Maharashtra Chief Minister.

Agenda for the Delhi Meeting

Speaking to the media in Nagpur, Devendra Fadnavis stated that all crucial decisions, including the choice of the Maharashtra Chief Minister and the government’s structure, would be finalized during Thursday’s meeting. Apart from selecting the Chief Minister, discussions will also cover the distribution of Cabinet berths and the portfolios for each alliance partner.

Cabinet Allocation and BJP’s Strategy

Sources indicate that the BJP is set to claim a larger share of the Cabinet positions, with plans to retain 21 of the 43 permissible ministerial berths in Maharashtra. BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar emphasized the party’s strong mandate:
“When any party receives a landslide victory, it naturally claims the Chief Minister’s post. In this case, Devendra Fadnavis is the rightful choice for the Maharashtra Chief Minister.”

The BJP is also expected to convene a meeting of its state legislature party soon to officially appoint its leader. Additionally, the swearing-in ceremony will be planned as a high-profile event, reflecting the BJP’s growing influence in the state.

Shiv Sena’s Support and Opposition Tactics

Shiv Sena’s leader Eknath Shinde publicly expressed his support for the BJP’s leadership, dispelling any rumors of internal discord. State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule praised Shinde for his cooperation and dismissed claims that Shiv Sena was reluctant to give up the Maharashtra Chief Minister post.
“Under Shinde’s leadership, the Mahayuti alliance has done commendable work over the past 2.5 years. The opposition, desperate after its electoral defeat, is attempting to spread a false narrative of conflict within the Mahayuti,” Bawankule stated.

Despite the public show of unity, BJP insiders revealed that the party’s central leadership had to intervene to resolve initial disagreements regarding the Maharashtra Chief Minister selection.

Importance of the Meeting

This high-level meeting in Delhi will determine not just the Maharashtra Chief Minister but also the broader power-sharing arrangement within the Mahayuti alliance. Balancing the interests of all alliance partners while maintaining the BJP’s dominant position is key to ensuring stability and effective governance in Maharashtra.

The meeting is also expected to finalize dates for the swearing-in ceremony and other events that will mark the beginning of the new government. The BJP aims to send a strong message of unity and capability as it assumes leadership in the state under the new Maharashtra Chief Minister.

The Road Ahead

The Mahayuti alliance has a unique opportunity to consolidate its position in Maharashtra and deliver on the promises made to the electorate. Selecting the right Maharashtra Chief Minister and forming a balanced Cabinet will set the tone for the coalition’s governance over the next five years.

Conclusion

The Delhi meeting called by Amit Shah is a critical juncture for the Mahayuti alliance. With Devendra Fadnavis as the frontrunner for the Maharashtra Chief Minister position, the BJP appears poised to lead a strong and unified government.

The decisions taken during this meeting will not only shape the leadership structure but also the state’s governance priorities. As Maharashtra waits for the announcement of its new Maharashtra Chief Minister, the alliance must ensure unity, transparency, and efficiency to fulfill the expectations of the people. The path forward lies in collaboration, and Thursday’s meeting is the first step in setting a robust foundation for the future.