Maharashtra CM Swearing-In Ceremony: Eknath Shinde to Take Oath as Deputy CM
The suspense around Maharashtra CM has come to an end. Eknath Shinde has agreed to serve as the Deputy Chief Minister in the upcoming Mahayuti government. This significant announcement sets the stage for a major event in Maharashtra’s political landscape. Eknath Shinde will take the oath as Deputy CM alongside Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar on December 5 at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan.
Devendra Fadnavis to Lead as Maharashtra CM
According to reports, Devendra Fadnavis will return as the Maharashtra CM. The swearing-in ceremony will be a grand affair, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other prominent leaders from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) expected to attend. This event marks a crucial milestone for the BJP-led coalition, as it takes control of the state’s leadership.
Cabinet Portfolios: A Balancing Act
Following the oath-taking ceremony, the allocation of cabinet portfolios among the three key Mahayuti allies—BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP—will be finalized. Here’s what we know so far:
BJP’s Share: The Bharatiya Janata Party is expected to retain major portfolios such as Home and Revenue. Additionally, the Speaker and Chairman of the Legislative Council are likely to remain with the BJP.
NCP’s Share: The Ajit Pawar-led NCP is expected to get the Finance portfolio and the Deputy Speaker position.
Shiv Sena’s Share: The Shiv Sena is pushing for the Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council since they already hold the Chairman’s position. They are also expected to secure the Urban Development portfolio.
While the Shiv Sena initially sought 16 portfolios, they are likely to settle for 12, according to sources. The BJP is expected to get 21-22 portfolios, while the NCP will likely receive 9-10 cabinet berths.
Eknath Shinde to Play a Key Role
Eknath Shinde will lead the discussions on finalizing the cabinet portfolios in the coming days. Despite his recent health concerns—persistent fever and throat ache—Shinde’s role in shaping the cabinet’s structure remains vital. Currently, he is undergoing medical tests at Jupiter Hospital in Thane.
Ajit Pawar’s Delhi Meeting
NCP leader Ajit Pawar is also actively engaged in political discussions. According to NCP MP Sunil Tatkare, Pawar is likely to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi soon. This meeting is crucial for ironing out any remaining differences and ensuring smooth collaboration within the Mahayuti alliance.
BJP to Finalize Leadership
Before the swearing-in ceremony, the BJP legislative party will hold a meeting to elect its legislature party leader. This meeting, scheduled for December 4, is expected to confirm Devendra Fadnavis as the Maharashtra CM candidate.
Mahayuti’s Victory in Assembly Elections
The Mahayuti alliance secured a landslide victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections, winning 230 out of 288 seats. The BJP led with 132 seats, followed by the Shiv Sena with 57 and the NCP with 41 seats. This strong mandate highlights the voters’ confidence in the alliance’s vision for Maharashtra.
A Promising Start for Maharashtra
The Maharashtra CM swearing-in ceremony marks a new chapter for the state. With Devendra Fadnavis as Maharashtra CM, Eknath Shinde as Deputy CM, and Ajit Pawar representing the NCP, the Mahayuti government is poised to deliver on its promises. The allocation of portfolios will ensure a balanced distribution of responsibilities among the three allies, paving the way for effective governance.
As the state prepares for this momentous event, all eyes will be on Azad Maidan on December 5. With prominent leaders and significant decisions on the horizon, this swearing-in ceremony is set to be a turning point in Maharashtra’s political journey.
