Maharashtra's political scene is in anticipation as a decision on the next Chief Minister is set to be taken during a meeting of the BJP legislative party today. Caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde clarified that the final decision on the CM's post would be made by the Prime Minister and Home Minister, noting that he would fully support the decision of the BJP leadership. The announcement comes after speculation arose regarding Shinde's role following the Mahayuti alliance's decisive win in the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Shinde, who recently traveled to his native village in Satara, addressed concerns about his dissatisfaction with the BJP's decision to claim the top post, asserting that the trip was simply for rest after a strenuous election campaign. While he maintained that the decision would be made by the BJP, the delay in the announcement has fueled political debate.

Chandrashekar Bawankule, the Maharashtra BJP president, confirmed that the swearing-in ceremony of the new Mahayuti government would take place at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai. However, the BJP has yet to officially announce its Chief Minister pick. Devendra Fadnavis, a prominent BJP leader and former CM, is widely seen as the frontrunner for the position.

Following the landslide victory by the Mahayuti alliance, which secured 230 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly, the BJP has claimed the Chief Minister post. Despite the strong performance of the BJP, some political observers note that Shinde has limited leverage in this situation, particularly with the support of Ajit Pawar's NCP solidifying the BJP's majority.

The delay in announcing the Chief Minister has been criticized by opposition leaders. Aaditya Thackeray, leader of Sena (UBT), called the BJP's indecision an "insult" to Maharashtra, accusing them of taking the state lightly. Thackeray also criticized the unilateral declaration of the swearing-in date without staking a formal claim to form the government, which he described as "pure anarchy."

The political uncertainty surrounding the CM decision is adding to the tension as the BJP-led alliance moves forward to form the next government in Maharashtra.