Eknath Shinde accepts Maharashtra deputy CM role – Report says Mahayuti deadlock resolved after Fadnavis…

Maharashtra CM swearing-in ceremony: Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra's caretaker Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief, has reportedly agreed to become the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra in a BJP-led Mahayuti government. Reports attribute the resolution of the deadlock to a visit from BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis to the Shiv Sena leader's residence.

The development comes as BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, who is the top choice for the CM post, met Shinde at his official residence, Varsha, in south Mumbai after the Sena chief returned from a private hospital after health check-up.

Eknath Shinde has agreed to take the post of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, reported News18 as well as India Today, quoting sources.

However, the Shiv Sena on Monday said the home portfolio should be given to it if the BJP got the CM post.

The BJP has already announced that the oath-taking ceremony will take place on December 5 at Azad Maidan. But it is not known who will take oath along with the chief minister.

Fadnavis top choice for CM post

Fadnavis, a two-time former chief minister, is widely seen as the likely candidate for the top post. The BJP has named Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani as central observers for the Wednesday morning meeting where the state legislature party leader will be elected.

Meanwhile, speaking to ANI, Vijay Rupani said, “We will discuss with everyone tomorrow, and after that, it will be finalised. We will take everyone's opinion in the legislature party meeting tomorrow.”

Preparations underway

Preparations are in full swing at Azad Maidan for the swearing-in ceremony of the new Mahayuti government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the event. Several central ministers, governors and key central BJP office-bearers are also expected to be present.

Seats Mahayuti won

The saffron party recorded its best-ever electoral performance by winning 132 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra legislative assembly in the November 20 elections. The Mahayuti coalition that includes Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party won a total of 230 seats.