Senior BJP Leader Makes Maharashtra CM Claim, Says Devendra Fadnavis Chosen For Top Role

A senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader claimed on Sunday that the party has finalizedDevendra Fadnavis as its next chief minister of Maharashtra. The claim comes amidst speculation surrounding who will take over the top position in the state government.

The BJP legislature party meeting is scheduled to be held on either December 2 or 3, where the final decision is expected to be made, according to the source.

Earlier in the day, the caretaker chief minister Eknath Shinde confirmed that he would support the party's decision regarding the next chief minister, who will have his full backing. Shinde had been criticized for visiting his village, sparking rumors of him being unhappy with the new government formation.

However, Shinde clarified that he attends his native village regularly and wondered why there should be any confusion about his visit. He later checked in at a hospital after developing a fever on Saturday, but is expected to recover soon.

NCP chief Ajit Pawar had also stated that the next chief minister will be from the BJP, along with two deputies. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat hinted that Shinde would make an important decision by Sunday evening, leaving many wondering what the future holds for the state government.

A high-level meeting between the three Mahayuti allies - Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP - is expected to take place soon to finalize the government formation.

The swearing-in ceremony of the new government has been schedule for December 5 at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present.

If the claim of Fadnavis being chosen as the next chief minister stands true, it would mark a significant development in the ongoing power struggle within the Mahayuti alliance.

The news comes just days after Maharashtra Assembly polls ended with the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition emerging victorious.