November 28, 2024: The political suspense surrounding Maharashtra's next chief minister is nearing its end, as Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to meet key leaders from the ruling Mahayuti alliance in New Delhi on Thursday to finalize the leadership and government formation in the state.

The high-stakes meeting will include Maharashtra's caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devendra Fadnavis, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar. These leaders are expected to discuss the crucial matter of naming the next chief minister and the selection of two deputy chief ministers, marking the conclusion of a process that has kept the state and political observers on edge.

Ajit Pawar confirmed the meeting on Wednesday, stating that he, Fadnavis, and Shinde would all travel to Delhi for further discussions. Pawar hinted that the decision regarding the chief minister's post would be made during these talks. "The discussions will focus on finalizing the CM and deputy CM posts," Pawar said in a statement.

Eknath Shinde, who has been serving as the caretaker CM since the state's recent elections, had earlier expressed his willingness to step aside in favor of the BJP's decision on the leadership. This comes after Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction had made repeated calls for his continuation as CM, citing the ruling Mahayuti alliance's resounding electoral victory under his leadership.

Shinde's announcement that he would comply with the BJP's decision was seen as a major development in resolving the leadership issue, effectively paving the way for Fadnavis, the former Maharashtra CM, to take over once again.

Sources suggest that the BJP is keen on installing Fadnavis as the next chief minister, with the expectation that the final decision will be officially communicated after Thursday’s discussions in Delhi. While the BJP is likely to hold the chief minister’s post, the Shiv Sena and NCP are expected to retain significant influence with the appointment of two deputy chief ministers.

This meeting between the key leaders signals the end of weeks of speculation about the future of Maharashtra’s leadership and sets the stage for the formation of a new government in the state. With BJP's Devendra Fadnavis likely to take the helm, all eyes are now on the decisions to be made in Delhi, which will shape the political landscape of Maharashtra for the years to come.