After intense political drama, the leaders of the Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra met the governor to officially stake claim to form a government. BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis is set to return as the chief minister, while the NCP chief Ajit Pawar will be his deputy. However, Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde's role in the government is still uncertain, as the party is insisting on key portfolios like home and housing. With the oath-taking ceremony scheduled for tomorrow, all eyes are on Shinde's decision and whether he will accept the request to become deputy chief minister.
Devendra Fadnavis Set to Return as Maharashtra CM with Ajit Pawar as Deputy
Amidst a whirlwind of political drama, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis has emerged as the frontrunner to become the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The development comes after the leaders of the Mahayuti alliance, which includes BJP, NCP, and smaller parties, met the Governor to stake claim to form a government.
Background:
Maharashtra has been in political turmoil since the results of the recent assembly elections, which saw the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance fall short of a majority. The Shiv Sena initially demanded the Chief Minister's post, but the BJP refused to cede it. This led to a standoff, with both parties unable to form a government.
Mahayuti Alliance's Claim:
The Mahayuti alliance claimed to have the support of 170 MLAs, including 105 from BJP, 54 from NCP, and 11 from smaller parties. This number is well above the majority mark of 144 in the 288-member assembly.
Fadnavis and Pawar's Roles:
Devendra Fadnavis, a former two-time Chief Minister, is set to return to the top post. NCP chief Ajit Pawar, who had earlier thrown his support behind the Shiv Sena, has now switched sides and will serve as Fadnavis' deputy.
Shiv Sena's Uncertainty:
The Shiv Sena's role in the government remains uncertain. The party has been pushing for key portfolios, particularly home and housing, and has hinted that it may not join the alliance if its demands are not met.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. Who is Devendra Fadnavis? A: Devendra Fadnavis is a former two-time Chief Minister of Maharashtra and a senior BJP leader.
2. Why has the Mahayuti alliance staked claim to form a government? A: The Mahayuti alliance claims to have the support of 170 MLAs, well above the majority mark of 144 in the assembly.
3. Who will be the Deputy Chief Minister? A: Ajit Pawar, the chief of the NCP, will be the Deputy Chief Minister in the Mahayuti government.
4. What is the role of the Shiv Sena in the alliance? A: The Shiv Sena's role is still uncertain. The party is demanding key portfolios and may not join the alliance if its demands are not met.
5. When will the oath-taking ceremony take place? A: The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow, November 28th, 2019.
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