Preparations are in full swing at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan for Maharashtra’s swearing-in ceremony on December 5, which promises to be a grand affair. Reports suggest invitations have been extended to key political figures, including Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray, 19 chief ministers, and their deputies, as well as religious leaders, artists, and writers from across the state.
High-Profile Attendees Confirmed
The event will see the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, alongside other political luminaries. Confirmed attendees from the chief ministers’ list include Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Bhupendra Patel (Gujarat), Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam), and Pushkar Singh Dhami (Uttarakhand), among others.
Cabinet Berths Distribution
Reports indicate a power-sharing arrangement within the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, which secured a decisive victory with 230 seats in the 288-member Assembly.
- BJP: 17 ministers likely to join the cabinet, with prominent names including Ashish Shelar, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Ravindra Chavan, and Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil. Regional representation spans Mumbai, Western Maharashtra, Vidarbha, North Maharashtra, and Marathwada.
- Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction): Seven ministers, including Shinde himself, along with Shambhuraj Desai, Dada Bhuse, and Gulabrao Patil.
- NCP (Ajit Pawar faction): Ajit Pawar is expected to continue as Deputy Chief Minister, with cabinet berths for leaders like Chhagan Bhujbal, Aditi Tatkare, and Dhananjay Munde.
BJP Legislature Party Meeting and CM Race
The BJP legislature party meeting, set for December 4, is expected to finalize the choice for Chief Minister. Devendra Fadnavis remains the frontrunner, with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani acting as central observers.
Shiv Sena has staked its claim for the home portfolio, adding to the political negotiations within the alliance. Caretaker CM Eknath Shinde, reportedly disappointed at not being considered for a second term, has downplayed reports of discord, citing the need for rest post-election.
Symbol of Cultural Diversity
According to BJP sources, the swearing-in ceremony will reflect the alliance’s commitment to showcasing Maharashtra’s rich cultural diversity. “This event will celebrate the spirit of the Mahayuti while honouring the state’s vibrant traditions,” said a senior BJP leader.
Background
The Mahayuti coalition’s decisive mandate has reshaped Maharashtra’s political landscape, with the BJP achieving its best-ever tally of 132 seats. The alliance’s ability to strike a balance in power-sharing will be crucial in maintaining stability in the state.
Meanwhile, the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, which suffered a heavy defeat, has alleged electoral tampering and demanded a return to ballot voting—a claim dismissed by the Election Commission and BJP as baseless.
As the clock ticks down to December 5, all eyes are on Azad Maidan, where the grand ceremony will mark a new chapter in Maharashtra’s political journey.