Maharashtra's political landscape witnessed a significant shift following the resignation of Eknath Shinde as Chief Minister. Shinde tendered his resignation to Governor CP Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai on Tuesday, paving the way for BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis to reclaim the top post. The Governor has asked Shinde to serve as caretaker CM until the new leadership is sworn in.

The BJP-led Mahayuti coalition secured a landslide victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections, winning 235 of the 288 seats. The BJP alone bagged 132 seats, while its allies, Shiv Sena and NCP, won 57 and 41 seats, respectively. With smaller outfits also joining the coalition, the alliance has consolidated its dominance in the state.

According to sources cited by India TV, two key scenarios are under discussion regarding the distribution of power. In the first scenario, Devendra Fadnavis will serve as Chief Minister for the full five-year term, with Eknath Shinde as his deputy, mirroring the previous arrangement where Fadnavis held the Deputy CM post under Shinde. Sources indicate that Shinde may also be assigned a major portfolio, such as the Ministry of Urban Development or Public Works Department (PWD), which oversees crucial projects like the Samruddhi Mahamarg.

Additionally, speculations suggest that Ajit Pawar could retain the Finance Ministry and continue as a Deputy Chief Minister. Fadnavis is expected to retain control of the Home Ministry.

In an alternative scenario, close aides of Shinde, such as Uday Samant, Shambhuraje Desai, or Deepak Kesarkar, could take up the Deputy CM role, while Shinde might transition to a significant position in New Delhi.

As political negotiations intensify, the BJP's decisive victory and the coalition's alignment are set to shape Maharashtra's governance for the next five years.