As Maharashtra awaits the announcement of its next Chief Minister, the BJP has come forward to clear its stance on the Bihar-model governance in Maharashtra, a demand put forth by its ally Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena, a coalition partner of Mahayuti, had called for a Bihar-model governance in the state which will enable Eknath Shinde to stay at the helm.
In Bihar, where BJP and JD(U) are allies, the saffron party gave the top post to JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar.
However, the party has no intention of doing the same in Maharashtra. According to BJP national spokesperson Prem Shukla, the BJP followed that pattern in Bihar because it had given Nitish Kumar the word ahead of the elections. "In Bihar, BJP had given a commitment to make Nitish Kumar the CM ahead of elections and honoured it. In Maharashtra, there is no reason for such a commitment as we have a stronger organisational base and leadership," he told The Indian Express.
Shukla added that the party has given no such commitment to Shiv Sena that Shinde will continue as the chief minister. Instead, the BJP maintained that the chief minister would be decided based on the electoral outcome.
It was Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske who first raised the possibility of replicating the Bihar model in the state. Mhaske said the party was confident that Shinde would continue as the chief Minister as the stunning victory was the result of his leadership.
However, the BJP leadership was not thrilled by the Shiv Sena's pressure tactic and is insistent on making Devendra Fadnavis the Chief Minister, the announcement of which is expected soon. The party has also informed Shinde and NCP leader Ajit Pawar of the decision. The state legislature meeting of BJP will be held in Mumbai soon and an official announcement will be made after electing the party leader.
Meanwhile, reports are that the party is in no hurry to announce its chief ministerial candidate until the distribution of portfolios is finalised. This is to avoid friction among the allies.
The BJP central leadership is busy with Parliament sessions and the BJP central body will appoint an observer or a team of observers who will visit Mumbai. They will meet the MLAs and senior party functionaries to finalise the cabinet formula before announcing the chief minister.
