NEW DELHI: Amid suspense over Maharashtra’s CM name, what caught the attention of Mumbaikars are a few posters. As former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is being seen as the frontrunner for the top post in the new BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP Mahayuti government, his photo was seen on some posters with “Aaaple Deva Bhau Mukhyamantri” written on them.
MLA Rahul Narvekar placed these posters outside the Taj President Hotel in Cuff Parade, where BJP’s senior officials and central observers are staying.
A significant BJP legislature party meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan to select their leader, who is likely to become the state’s next chief minister. The chosen leader will then meet the governor to stake a claim to form the new government in the state.
The BJP has appointed Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani as central observers for this crucial meeting. Rupani, who arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday evening, indicated that the leader’s selection would follow discussions with newly-elected MLAs.
On Tuesday, Fadnavis met with caretaker chief minister Eknath Shinde at ‘Varsha’. Their hour-long discussion’s content remains private, though analysts suggest it either addressed alliance concerns or discussed the December 5 swearing-in arrangements.
The inauguration ceremony preparations at Azad Maidan, south Mumbai, are advancing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend, alongside 2,000 VVIPs and 40,000 supporters. The event will also host various Union ministers and 19 state chief ministers and deputy chief ministers.
Shiv Sena representatives have requested the home portfolio if the BJP takes the chief minister’s position, citing alliance conventions. A party leader indicated agreement among BJP leaders and Mahayuti allies to exclude ministers facing corruption allegations.
Shinde’s Tuesday visit to a private hospital for a health assessment sparked political discussions. He later assured reporters of his good health. His previous Friday trip to his Satara district village had generated speculation about his satisfaction with the new government’s formation.
