A day after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president J.P. Nadda in New Delhi, where Maharashtra Mahayuti leaders were informed that the state would get a BJP Chief Minister, caretaker CM Eknath Shinde of Shiv Sena left for his native village in Satara on Friday, November 29, 2024.
Six days after the Assembly election results were declared, the BJP has yet to convene a meeting with its newly elected MLAs or appoint its Legislature Party leader.
Oath-taking Ceremony Expected on December 5Sources from both the BJP and Shiv Sena have indicated that the new Chief Minister’s swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place on December 5 at Azad Maidan, Mumbai. “The BJP follows its party discipline and procedure. Two Central observers will be appointed to visit Mumbai and meet with the legislators. Once the leader is appointed, we will approach the Governor,” said a senior BJP source.
Sena Signals No Obstruction
Despite the delay, both Shiv Sena and BJP representatives have downplayed concerns over the government formation process. A senior Shiv Sena leader stated, “We have already communicated that we are not a hindrance to the selection of the CM. We have expressed our support for the decision of the BJP leadership. The ball is now in their court.”
Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant reassured reporters, saying, “Everything is going well. All top leaders are on the same page. The government formation will happen soon, and there is no cause for concern.”
BJP’s Careful Approach
A BJP leader explained that the delay in government formation was part of a broader strategy to ensure unity and take into account various factors, including caste/community representation. “We are taking our time to ensure that no one is left out, and the party is strengthened in all areas,” the BJP source said.
While there has been speculation regarding the Chief Ministerial candidate, Devendra Fadnavis remains a strong frontrunner. However, there is also the possibility of a surprise decision. The BJP is reportedly working on finalizing the Cabinet composition, with discussions about the number of Deputy Chief Ministers and other key roles.
The BJP has yet to officially announce the appointment of the two central observers for Maharashtra, but party insiders suggest that the state’s political leadership will be decided soon.
