Maharashtra: Devendra Fadnavis visits caretaker CM Eknath Shinde ahead of BJP's key meeting amid next CM suspense

As suspense continues over who will become the next Maharashtra chief minister, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devendra Fadnavis visited caretaker CM Eknath Shinde at his official residence, Varsha, in south Mumbai on Tuesday evening.

The visit comes less than 24 hours before the key BJP meeting, at which the newly elected MLAs will decide on the legislature party leader.

Following the meeting on Wednesday, central observers — Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupana — will announce the name of the chief minister.

Shinde, the Shiv Sena chief and a key constituent of the BJP-led Mahayuti, who has been unwell for the last few days amid reports of him being upset following Mahayuti leaders' meeting in the national capital, visited a private hospital in Thane for a ‘check-up’ after returning from his native village in Satara on Monday.

Reacting to the meeting between Fadnavis and Shinde, Shiv Sena leader Bharatshet Gogawale said, "Devendra Fadnavis had come to meet Eknath Shinde to inquire about his ill health."

However, when asked if the Sena chief would also take the oath, he added, "After a decision is taken, Eknath Shinde will take the oath."

Who will become CM?

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, a two-time former chief minister, is being touted as the frontrunner for the top post. However, the distribution of portfolios among the three allies might not be a smooth process as Shiv Sena leaders have been demanding the Home portfolio.

Shinde reiterates support

On Monday, Eknath Shinde once again made it clear that he would not be an obstacle to BJP getting the chief minister's post.

“I have already given my unconditional support to the party leadership and I will support their decision. The government will be formed, and there won't be any issues. There is coordination between all three parties," said Shinde.

Oath-taking ceremony

The oath-taking ceremony of the chief minister is slated to take place at Azad Maidan on the evening of December 5. The event will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Seats Mahayuti Alliance Won

The Mahayuti won 230 of the 288 assembly seats. The BJP led with 132 seats, while the Shiv Sena got 57 and the NCP 41 seats.

Who all will attend?

— The swearing-in ceremony will be a grand affair with nearly 42,000 attendees.

— PM Modi, up to 10 Union ministers, and 19 chief ministers and deputy chief ministers are likely to attend the ceremony.

— It will be telecast live across the state wherever LED screens are available.

— Separate seating arrangement is made for 2,000 VVIPs.

Will Uddhav Thackeray attend?

Former chief minister and Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray would be invited by the General Administration Department as per the protocol, said BJP leader Prasad Lad while speaking to PTI.

He added that it was up to him to attend or to demonstrate his shallowness by skipping.