Maharashtra CM News Highlights: Congress MP Pramod Tiwari questions stability of Maharashtra government after leadership delays

Maharashtra's caretaker chief minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday took a cheeky dig at his ally Ajit Pawar - reminding the NCP chief of an early-morning oath as deputy chief minister in 2019 for a stint that lasted just 4 days.

A three-day extraordinary session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly shall commence in Mumbai from December 7, during which recently elected MLAs will be sworn in and a speaker will be chosen, according to legislature officials on Wednesday. The state legislature's winter session is scheduled to take place in Nagpur from December 16 to 21, news agency PTI reported.

After Devendra Fadnavis was unanimously chosen as the BJP's legislative leader, Ashish Shelar, the newly appointed chief whip of the party's state unit, expressed that the occasion was as joyous as Diwali for the party and its leadership.

Speaking about the Assembly election results, Shelar highlighted the exceptional and unprecedented support that the BJP received, describing it as a milestone achievement.

"Mahayuti received unprecedented and unparalleled mandate, seats of Shiv Sena and NCP also increased under the leadership of Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. BJP's striking rate is historical...today unanimously we chose Devendra Fadnavis as the Leader of Maharashtra and soon we will stake claim to form the govt as well...it is Diwali for us today..." Shelar said.

Maharashtra CM-designate Devendra Fadnavis arrives at Varsha bungalow to meet Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde.

Eknath Shinde to take oath tomorrow as Maharashtra's deputy CM along with Ajit Pawar, in the new government: news agency ANI said quoting Shiv Sena Sources

Following the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance's election victory last month, Fadnavis was elected as leader of the BJP legislature party earlier in the day, and would be sworn in as CM on Thursday evening.

MahaYuti presented their claim to form the government to Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan on Wednesday through a formal letter.

Following his unanimous selection as the BJP legislature party leader, Devendra Fadnavis received support letters from Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde and NCP President Ajit Pawar endorsing him as the Chief Minister.

Subsequently, the Governor extended an invitation to MahaYuti to establish the government.

Speaking to journalists, Fadnavis announced that the oath-taking ceremony would occur on Thursday at 5:30 pm, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance. He also mentioned receiving support letters from additional BJP allies and independent members for his Chief Ministerial position.

When asked if he and NCP chief Ajit Pawar will also take oath as Deputy CMs tomorrow, Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde said, "Wait till evening..."

Replying to Shinde, NCP chief Ajit Pawar said, "Sham tak unka samaj aayega, I will take it (oath), I will not wait."

Replying to NCP chief Pawar, Shinde said, "Dada (Ajit Pawar) has experience of taking (oath) both in the morning and evening."

Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde said, "I am very happy with the completion of two and a half years. The work done by our government, the Mahayuti government, the three of us and our team in the last 2.5 years is remarkable. It will be written in golden letters in history. We are happy that we took such big decisions."

While addressing the press conference, NCP chief Ajit Pawar said, ".We will give our best to run the government in the state. Activities related to the party will be handled by (BJP chief) Chandrashekhar Bawankule and NCP's Sunil Tatkare."

Maharashtra CM-designate Devendra Fadnavis said, "The swearing-in ceremony of the new government will be held tomorrow at 5.30 pm in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We will decide by evening who all will take oath tomorrow. Yesterday I met Eknath Shinde and requested him that it is the wish of Mahayuti workers that he should be with us in this government. I have full faith that he will be with us. We will fulfill the promises made to the people of Maharashtra."

Maharashtra CM-designate Devendra Fadnavis, while addressing a press conference, said, "The posts of CM and DCM are just technical posts. We all will work together for Maharashtra. Other ministers will be decided in upcoming meetings."

Maharashtra CM-designate, while addressing a press conference, Devendra Fadnavis said, "We have met the Governor and handed over the letter of support to stake claim to form the government in the state. The Governor has invited us for the oath ceremony tomorrow at 5.30 pm."

Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, NCP chief Ajit Pawar met Maharashtra governor at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai to stake claim to form the government in the state.

Devendra Fadnavis to take oath as CM of Maharashtra tomorrow, 5th December.

Addressing the legislative party meeting, Sitharaman said, "I congratulate all elected MLAs. I congratulate Devendra Fadnavis to being elected as the leader of the legislative party. The mandate of 14 crore voters in this election is a message for whole India. This was not just a regular assembly election. After Lok Sabha elections, the citizens of the country have given a clear mandate through Haryana elections and then Maharashtra elections. Unexpected and unprecedented victory in Maharashtra is a big message towards the Viksit Bharat."

Sitharaman added that the upcoming "double-engine" government in Maharashtra will perform better in every sector be it investment, industry, farmers, development in every region or and other field including AI technology.

"I believe that people of Maharashtra and nation were tired from the uncertainty caused in the development by the previous governments led by Congress and alliance. Double engine government will work for the development under the leadership of PM, with fulfilling the promises made during the election manifesto. And it's clear that this government will do better in every sector be it investment, industry, farmers, development in every region or and other field including AI technology," she said.

Security arrangements for Maharashtra's new chief minister's swearing-in ceremony on Thursday evening involve over 4,000 police personnel, according to officials. The ceremony will take place at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance.

Following his unanimous election as Maharashtra BJP legislature party's leader on Wednesday, Devendra Fadnavis is set to take oath as chief minister for his third term.

The venue is expected to draw numerous supporters from the Mahayuti alliance partners - BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP.

The BJP has organised seating for 40,000 party supporters, with a dedicated section accommodating 2,000 VVIPs, including religious leaders, as previously stated by a BJP representative.

The security detail comprises 3,500 police personnel and 520 officers, as confirmed by an official.

Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant said that the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for December 5 at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai would include only the chief minister and two deputy chief ministers. He indicated that decisions regarding cabinet formation and portfolio allocation would be determined at a later stage.

Samant conveyed that Shiv Sena workers, MLAs and MPs desire caretaker Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to serve as deputy chief minister, suggesting Shinde's possible reluctance to assume the position. Meanwhile, Fadnavis secured unanimous election as Maharashtra BJP legislature party's leader, setting the stage for his third term as chief minister.

The ceremony, planned for Thursday at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai, will witness the attendance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside numerous NDA chief ministers

"The information I have now is that the CM and two deputy CMs will take oath. The next decision (of cabinet formation and portfolio allocation) will be taken by the three leaders (Fadnavis, Shinde and NCP chief Ajit Pawar)," Samant told reporters.

"The three leaders will meet before going to the governor (to stake claim for forming the government in the state). They will talk to (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi, (Union Home Minister) Amit Shah and then take a decision," he added.

Following Devendra Fadnavis's selection as the Maharashtra BJP Legislative Party leader, BJP parliamentarian Manoj Tiwari expressed his views, stating, "We have already fought elections under his leadership. I want to congratulate him. He will take oath as the Chief Minister very soon. I invite everyone to attend the oath-taking ceremony..."

After being unanimously elected as the Leader of Maharashtra BJP Legislative Party, Devendra Fadnavis said "I thank everyone from the legislative party that you all chose me unanimously. I thank our central observers Vijay Rupani and Nirmala Sitharaman also. As you all know these were historic elections and these elections have proved that 'Ek hai toh safe hai' and 'Modi hai toh mumkin hai'.

We have restarted our series of victories with Haryana and now Maharashtra has given such a thumping mandate that I completely bow down before the Maharashtra voters. I also thank CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and our other allies."

Devendra Fadnavis as leader of the largest party accompanied by alliance partners Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar will meet the governor at 3 pm at Raj Bhavan to lay stake to form the government.

When Fadnavis hands over the letter on behalf of 236 MLAs to form the govt he becomes CM-designate

Devendra Fadnavis, chosen to head the Maharashtra BJP Legislative Party, described the Assembly elections as "historic" on Wednesday. He echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign message "Ek Hain to Safe Hain" and added "Modi Hai to Mumkin hai".

According to an official invitation card from Fadnavis' office, the swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for December 5 at 5:30 pm at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the ceremony where Fadnavis will take his oath as the state's chief minister.

Addressing the meeting of the BJP legislative party, the chief minister-elect extended his gratitude towards all leaders and MLAs present in the meeting for unanimously choosing him as the Leader of Maharashtra BJP Legislative Party. He further expressed gratitude to caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and NDA leader Ramdas Athawle.

"I thank everyone from the legislative party that you all chose me unanimously. And i thank our central observers Rupani ji and Nirmala ji also. As you all know that these were historic elections and these elections have proved that 'Ek Hain to Safe Hain' and 'Modi Hai to Mumkin hai'. We have restarted our series of victories with Haryana and now Maharashtra, has given such a thumping mandate that I completely bow down before the Maharashtra voters. I also thank CM Eknath Shinde ji and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar along with Athawle ji and our other allies. Our constitution has given us the electoral process which was written by Baba Saheb Ambedkar is completing 75 years of age now."

Fadnavis began his political career in 1992 when he was elected as a Councilor at the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, serving two consecutive terms.

He holds the distinction of being the second youngest Mayor in India and the youngest Mayor of Nagpur.

He was also elected as the Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (MLA) for five consecutive terms. He went on to be the first CM of Maharashtra to complete a full single term in last 47 years and only the second one in the state's history.

Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, said, "We all fought a historical election in the leadership of Devendra Fadanvis and we won a historic mandate for Mahayuti. We are committed to taking Maharashtra to the number one position with the help of PM Modi. We should thank crores of the people of Maharashtra that we contested 149 seats and won 132 which is the highest in history. Our allies also won 57 and 41 seats. 7 MLAs have also given support to us so we will have 237 Mahayuti members in this Assembly..."

Following significant developments in power-sharing discussions between BJP and Shiv Sena, a senior Sena leader close to Eknath Shinde revealed that Shinde has consented to participate in the new Mahayuti government. The announcement came after Devendra Fadnavis met with the caretaker CM at his official Varsha residence on Tuesday evening. Shinde is expected to serve as one of two deputy CMs in a government likely to be headed by BJP's Fadnavis, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Thursday.

The meeting between Fadnavis and Shinde occurred six days after their joint consultation with Union home minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. According to sources, Fadnavis's visit to the CM's official residence was aimed at persuading Shinde to participate in the government.
According to Sena sources, BJP's central observers, comprising Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, are scheduled to meet Shinde following the selection of BJP's legislature party leader on Wednesday. The definitive power-sharing arrangement will be finalised in their presence. Subsequently, the CM-designate and both deputy CMs (including Ajit Pawar) will meet with the governor.

Devendra Fadnavis, a prominent BJP leader, will be sworn in as Maharashtra's chief minister for his third term following his unanimous selection as the BJP legislature party leader during a meeting held in Mumbai on Wednesday. The oath-taking ceremony has been scheduled for December 5.

In the Maharashtra assembly elections, the BJP secured a decisive victory by winning 132 seats out of the total 288. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, which includes the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP, now commands a substantial majority with 230 seats in the assembly.

Several posters in Mumbai have drawn public interest during the uncertainty surrounding Maharashtra's chief ministerial appointment. With Devendra Fadnavis emerging as the leading candidate for the chief minister's position in the newly formed BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP Mahayuti coalition, posters featuring his image with the text "Aaaple Deva Bhau Mukhyamantri" have appeared in the city.

These posters were installed by MLA Rahul Narvekar near the Taj President Hotel in Cuff Parade, where senior BJP officials and central observers have taken residence.