Maharashtra Election Results 2024: Who Will Be Next CM Of Maharashtra?

With the Mahayuti alliance on the verge of a landslide victory in Maharashtra, attention now shifts to the crucial question of who will be the next chief minister of Maharashtra. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) entered the elections without naming a CM candidate, with incumbent Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at the helm.

However, the BJP's strong performance-leading in 126 of the 148 seats it contested-has shifted the dynamics. According to Election Commission trends, the Shiv Sena leads in 54 seats, and the NCP in 35, having contested 81 and 59 seats respectively.

The BJP's impressive seat tally and strike rate give it a stronger claim to the CM post. If the BJP presses for the position, Devendra Fadnavis is likely to be the frontrunner. However, Shinde's performance over the past four years cannot be overlooked. Initially seen as a "puppet CM," Shinde has emerged as a formidable political force in Maharashtra. The BJP would be remiss to ignore his role in the state's governance.

As the results were awaited, posters from all three alliance partners, each staking their claim to the CM's post, appeared across the state. Posters featuring Shinde, Fadnavis, and NCP's Ajit Pawar were seen in various locations after exit polls predicted a strong showing for the NDA.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has already called Fadnavis to congratulate him on the BJP's strong performance, though it is unclear if CM discussions were part of the conversation.

The BJP's success in mobilizing OBCs, Dalits, and neutralizing the Maratha agitation strengthens its position in the CM race. While Shiv Sena leaders are advocating for Shinde to remain in office, the BJP has yet to finalize its decision. Central party observers are expected to visit Maharashtra soon for discussions.

With the current Assembly's term ending on November 26, the NDA must act quickly to stake its claim to form the government. The swearing-in ceremony for the new government is scheduled for the same day at Shivaji Park in Mumbai.