Despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the next Maharashtra Chief Minister and whether the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde will be part of the new government, the BJP is moving ahead with plans for an oath-taking ceremony on December 5.
On Monday, the BJP’s central parliamentary board appointed Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani to lead the meeting to choose the BJP’s legislative party leader. The party confirmed that the leader will be selected on December 4, with the oath ceremony scheduled for 5:00 pm on December 5 at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
However, Shiv Sena sources say no meeting has occurred yet between Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar, and Devendra Fadnavis to finalize the power-sharing deal or the new CM’s name. Eknath Shinde, who had been recuperating after a recent illness, is still unwell due to a throat infection and missed a scheduled meeting with party leaders at his Thane residence.
In the midst of this, a Shiv Sena leader expressed frustration, claiming it is unfair of the BJP to not share key portfolios. If the BJP won’t give the CM post to the Shiv Sena, at least they should offer key ministries like finance and home to the Sena, considering its significant strength, the leader said. The BJP is pushing the Sena out by offering negligible portfolios.
The Shiv Sena leader also criticized the BJP for moving forward with the oath ceremony date and venue without consulting them. We were part of the Mahayuti government for 2.5 years, but now the BJP must clarify if they even want the Shiv Sena in the government. We’re left in the dark about the CM and portfolio allocations.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat urged the BJP to respect Shinde’s role in toppling Uddhav Thackeray’s government and forming the new one, calling for an honorable deal for the Shiv Sena in the new government.
In a surprise move, Eknath Shinde’s son, Dr. Shrikant Shinde, denied rumors that he would be the Deputy CM. He clarified on social media, saying he had rejected a ministerial post after the Lok Sabha elections and was not in the race for Deputy CM or any ministry.
Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Atul Londe Patil also weighed in, accusing the BJP leadership of causing political chaos. The BJP’s internal politics is now playing out in the public eye. A party that claims nation first, party second, and individual interest third is now putting personal interests ahead, creating confusion despite its clear mandate. As December 5 approaches, the BJP continues to pursue its plans, leaving many in the Maharashtra political landscape eagerly awaiting the final decisions.
