Shiv Sena wants Shinde as CM, Ajit Pawar faction to support Fadnavis

MUMBAI: Despite returning to power with a thumping majority, the Mahayuti alliance has not decided who will be the next chief minister. The NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) has clarified after discussions with the BJP that they will support Devendra Fadnavis for the post of Maharashtra CM. Ajit Pawar's faction has 41 seats in the 288-member assembly.

However, the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) is demanding that Shinde continue as the chief minister. Those close to Eknath Shinde say that the Mahayuti alliance returned

to power through his scheme, Mukhyamantri - Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, which gave priority to women. Following the failure to reach a decision, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked to postpone the swearing-in ceremony in Maharashtra. Shinde had earlier stated that the people of Maharashtra voted for his schemes and made them successful.

The BJP, which won 132 seats, wants Fadnavis to become the chief minister. The new cabinet is expected to have 24 ministers from the BJP and 12 from the Shinde faction. The NCP, led by Ajit Pawar, will have 10 ministers.

Fadnavis, Shinde and Ajit Pawar are likely to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah for further discussions. However, they will not go to Delhi. The Shiv Sena had elected Eknath Shinde as its parliamentary leader the other day.