The uncertainty over who will be the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra has only grown as speculations are rife about senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari going in to be a candidate. XIV: After reports that Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, who currently holds the CM position, is refusing to step down, and work under Devendra Fadnavis, speculation has erupted. The party’s top leadership is reportedly pondering replacing Sinha with Gadkari, a hardline long- serving leader to resolve an alliance discord.
There is also the news that if Gadkari became the CM, Shinde could be good with that Deputy CM post. The growing rift within the alliance might be managed by this arrangement. Yet none of these developments are confirmed by BJP yet.
The situation is complicated by rumours that Devendra Fadnavis could replace JP Nadda as national president of BJP.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has indicated his interest in becoming Maharashtra’s chief minister, saying “Politics is a sea of unsatisfied souls and everybody wants to be higher; one may even join, there is ambition.’
Meanwhile, BJP has said the swearing in of Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister will be December 5. Preparations are in place for Chief Minister and two Deputy Chief Minister to take the oath. After BJP, NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), Shiv Sena leaders choose their Cabinet members, they will be finalized later.
As part of negotiations, Eknath Shinde reportedly wants heftier portfolios, including Home Affairs and Finance Ministries. The complexities behind the ending of finalizing the leadership are inherent in these demands, as well as the internal tussles.
Political intrigue and alliance challenges unfold as Maharashtra waits all of a few days to know who will lead what.
