Fadnavis likely to be next Maharashtra CM, Eknath Shinde his deputy: Reports

New Delhi: After a week of turbulence in Maharashtra politics and subsequent exit of Uddhav Thackeray-led Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to form the next government in state.

Reports suggest that Devendra Fadnavis is set to return as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the second time while Eknath Shinde, who led the rebel camp may become his Deputy.

Uddhav Thackeray resigned as the Chief Minister in a Facebook LIVE last night, paving the way for another government, provided that proves majority.

Sources claim that an agreement has been reached between the BJP and Eknath Shinde camp to form a coalition government and both Fadnavis & Shinde are likely to meet Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari today to stake claim.

Reports also suggest that Fadnavis may be sworn in as early as tomorrow. This will mark the return of Fadnavis as the State CM for third time a row. His second stint as the Chief Minister lasted barely 3 days, as Ajit Pawar, after taking oath as his deputy, left the alliance to fend for itself.

Sources say that the saffron party is being extra cautious and vigilant this time to avoid the humiliation and ignominy that it had to undergo for taking rapid strides in government formation. A small cabinet is likely to be sworn-in along with Fadnavis.

The number crunching

Sena-led MVA govt faced a sudden jolt a week back, when most of the party MLAs abandoned its supremo and revolted against its alliance with Congress & NCP. Shiv Sena which had 55 members in the 287 member legislative Assembly got reduced to just 13 as most of the MLAs revolted and moved away with Shinde.

BJP emerged as the single largest party in state with 106 legislators. Shinde camp claims that it has support of at least 50 MLAs including over half a dozen Independents. If clubbed together, the BJP-led alliance numbers will clearly swell over 160 mark, a comfortable majority in the House.