Power-Sharing Talks Begin: Mahayuti Leaders Meet Amit Shah After Maharashtra Poll Victory

The political landscape in Maharashtra is abuzz as the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, which achieved a sweeping victory in the state assembly elections, deliberates over its Chief Minister (CM) pick.

On Thursday night, outgoing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to discuss the power-sharing structure among the alliance partners.

A Collective Approach to Decision-Making

Former CM Devendra Fadnavis, under whose leadership the BJP secured over 100 seats for the third consecutive time, is widely regarded as a frontrunner for the CM position. However, speaking to reporters, Fadnavis emphasized that the decision would be made collectively.

“In our Mahayuti alliance, there has never been a difference of opinion. We have always made decisions collectively.

Before the elections, we announced that the decision regarding the Chief Minister’s post would be taken collectively after the results. A few people had doubts, but Eknath Shinde ji has clarified those today. We will soon meet our leaders and finalize the decision,” he stated.

Eknath Shinde echoed these sentiments, describing Thursday’s meeting as “good and positive.” He added that the final decision on the Chief Minister’s role would likely be taken in a subsequent meeting in Mumbai.

Mahayuti Alliance’s Victory in Numbers

The BJP, emerging as the largest party, secured 132 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly, reinforcing its dominant position.

Its allies, Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, and the NCP, headed by Ajit Pawar, won 57 and 41 seats, respectively. Despite the landslide victory, the alliance has not yet announced its CM candidate, keeping the political circles and public guessing.

Power-Sharing Talks Gain Momentum

The alliance leaders—Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar, and others—met with both Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda to deliberate on ministerial allocations.

Sources indicate that while the BJP is set to retain the CM post, the alliance is likely to have two Deputy Chief Ministers—one each from the Shiv Sena and NCP.

The BJP is expected to finalize its choice for the Chief Minister on Saturday in a meeting of MLAs in Mumbai. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reportedly approved this arrangement, signaling smooth progress in the alliance’s power-sharing discussions.

Eknath Shinde’s Perspective: “Ladla Bhai”

Eknath Shinde reiterated his commitment to the alliance and expressed his willingness to accept any decision made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the CM position.

Addressing the media, he highlighted his role within the alliance, stating, “This ‘ladla bhai’ [beloved brother] has arrived in Delhi, and the ‘ladla bhai’ is a designation higher than anything else for me.”

Shinde’s remarks reflect his focus on unity within the alliance and his readiness to prioritize collective decisions over personal ambitions.

Key Leaders Present at the Meeting

The first post-election meeting of the Mahayuti alliance took place in the presence of Amit Shah and JP Nadda, with Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar leading the discussions.

The talks, which extended late into the night, focused on forming the new government in Maharashtra. After the meeting, Shinde, Fadnavis, and Pawar returned to their respective responsibilities, with plans to reconvene in Mumbai for further discussions.

Addressing Speculations About Unity

Despite rumors of internal differences within the Mahayuti alliance, leaders have consistently denied such claims.

Devendra Fadnavis clarified that the alliance remains united, emphasizing that decisions are being made through consultations among all leaders.

“In our Mahayuti alliance, there has never been a difference of opinion. We have always made decisions collectively,” Fadnavis reiterated, assuring the public of the alliance’s cohesion.

Final Decision Expected Soon

With the Maharashtra Assembly election results announced on November 23, the alliance is under pressure to finalize its leadership structure.

The BJP’s position as the largest party, coupled with its alliance with the Shiv Sena and NCP, has set the stage for a stable government. The decision regarding the Chief Minister is expected to be announced shortly after the BJP’s internal discussions on Saturday.