Maharashtra government formation: CM oath ceremony by December 5, hints Shiv Sena, BJP leaders

NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat on Saturday said that the formation of the new Maharashtra government and the swearing-in ceremony should take place on or before December 5 .

Speaking to ANI, Shirsat said, "By tomorrow evening, he ( Eknath Shinde ) will take a big decision. It can be anything, a political decision. The oath-taking ceremony should be held before the 5th December."

"Whenever Eknath Shinde thinks that he needs some time to think he goes to his native village," he added.

On the other hand, another senior BJP leader, speaking anonymously to news agency PTI, said that the government formation and its swearing-in ceremony are set for December 5, with Devendra Fadnavis emerging as the frontrunner for the chief minister's position.

The leader futher continued that Fadnavis, who has served as chief minister twice and as deputy chief minister in the outgoing government, is the top contender for the chief minister role.

However, the timing of the BJP legislature party meeting to select their new leader remains unconfirmed.

Earlier on Thursday, Shinde, Fadnavis, and Pawar met BJP president J P Nadda and Union home Minister Amit Shah to finalize a power-sharing arrangement for the new government. A key Mahayuti meeting which was initially expected earlier, is now likely on Sunday.

Tensions among Mahayuti allies—the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP—are apparent, reflected in Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat’s recent remarks, despite their strong showing in the Maharashtra elections, winning 230 out of 288 seats.

Although Eknath Shinde has expressed his complete support for the BJP leadership's choice of the next chief minister, stating he would not obstruct the process. His visit to his native village in Satara has reportedly delayed the finalisation of the government formation process.

Further, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP has also endorsed Fadnavis for the chief ministerial position.

Shirsat further highlighted that the party is firmly demanding the crucial home department in the new government and alleged efforts to sideline caretaker CM Shinde during discussions on government formation.

"The home department should be with the party (Shiv Sena). The department is (usually) with the deputy chief minister. It would not be right if the chief minister heads the home department," he said.

The MLA who represents the Aurangabad West assembly seat said that Shinde's "Common Man" image as chief minister resonated well with people, and despite being labelled "gaddar", he has established a strong position post-state polls.

"This has benefited the entire Mahayuti. He was the one who took out maximum rallies. Looking at this, had he got two and half years, he would have contributed more to the state," he added.