Maharashtra Government Formation: Oath-Taking Ceremony Scheduled for December 5

Mumbai, 30th November 2024: The wait for the new Maharashtra government’s formation is set to end, with the oath-taking ceremony scheduled for December 5. BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced that the event would be held at 5 PM at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance.

The assembly elections were conducted on November 20, and results were declared on November 23. The Mahayuti alliance achieved a landslide victory, winning 235 out of 288 seats, securing a clear majority. However, despite this decisive mandate, the government formation faced delays due to disagreements over key leadership roles and cabinet positions within the alliance.

Leadership Discussions Still Ongoing
The delay stems from negotiations over the Chief Minister’s post and the distribution of portfolios. A crucial meeting was held at Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s residence in New Delhi on Thursday night to address these concerns. During the discussion, it was decided that Devendra Fadnavis would be appointed Chief Minister. However, reports suggest that differences over demands made by caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have caused further delays.

Cabinet Structure Revealed
Former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar shared details about the power-sharing arrangement, stating that Maharashtra would have one Chief Minister from the BJP and two Deputy Chief Ministers representing the alliance’s other major parties. While Fadnavis is confirmed as the BJP’s choice for Chief Minister, discussions on portfolio allocation are still underway.

Discontent Among MLAs
The extended delay in electing the legislative leader and finalizing the cabinet has created frustration among some MLAs in the BJP. Despite the alliance’s overwhelming victory, the delay in forming the government has raised questions and fueled unease.

Grand Ceremony Planned
The swearing-in ceremony is expected to be a significant event, with senior leaders and dignitaries in attendance. The BJP leadership has assured that all unresolved issues will be addressed ahead of the ceremony, paving the way for the alliance to begin its term smoothly.