MUMBAI: The Maharashtra BJP is set to elect its legislative party leader on December 4, with Devendra Fadnavis widely expected to take the position. He is confirmed to be sworn in as Chief Minister on December 5 at Mumbai's Azad Maidan.

The legislative party leader will be chosen at 10 am on December 4 under the supervision of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who will act as central observers.

The new government is anticipated to have two Deputy Chief Ministers. Ajit Pawar is expected to represent the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in this role, while the Shiv Sena is yet to finalize its nominee for the second Deputy Chief Minister position.

Caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who was unwell, recently returned to Thane after spending two days in his native place, Satara. Speculations about Shinde, Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar discussing cabinet portfolios before the swearing-in did not materialize, as no such meetings took place.

During this period, Devendra Fadnavis held discussions with several Maharashtra BJP leaders, including Pankaja Munde and Girish Mahajan. Many party MLAs were also seen meeting Fadnavis, sparking assumptions about lobbying for ministerial positions.

Rumors about Shinde’s son, Shrikant Shinde, becoming a Deputy Chief Minister were dismissed by Shrikant himself. He called the speculations “baseless and unfounded” and clarified that he is not seeking any ministerial roles.

Although Shinde was scheduled to meet party leaders on December 4, these meetings were canceled on medical advice. However, BJP leader Girish Mahajan met Shinde at his residence in Thane late in the evening, signaling ongoing discussions about government formation.

The number of Shiv Sena ministers to be included in the new government remains uncertain. Sources in the BJP central leadership have expressed confidence that Eknath Shinde will play a significant role in the administration. The final lineup of NCP and Shiv Sena ministers is expected to become clearer in the next two days leading up to the swearing-in ceremony.

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