Lock kiya jaye – not yet

KAUN BANEGA MUKHYAMANTRI? | In a state where caste, coalition politics, and civic ambitions intersect, the next CM is not a foregone conclusion

- Ketan Narottam Tanna

Maharashtra's political stage is once again pulsating with anticipation. Within the next 48 hours, either Devendra Fadnavis or Eknath Shinde is expected to take the oath of office. However, there are several imponderables.

While the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will nominate Fadnavis with eyes shut, Shinde's claim is buttressed by his remarkable electoral success and coalition dynamics; it gets further reinforced by the caste factor.

THE RSS FACTOR

Fadnavis, a staunch RSS loyalist and the BJP's golden boy from Nagpur, is the obvious frontrunner. Known for his administrative acumen and clean image, he aligns perfectly with the Sangh's ideology. For the RSS, Fadnavis symbolizes continuity and trust—qualities vital for navigating Maharashtra's volatile political terrain.

Yet, his path to the CM's chair isn't obstacle-free. The BJP leadership fears that appointing a Brahmin Chief Minister might alienate the electorally critical OBC and Maratha communities. Moreover, sidelining Eknath Shinde could be precarious for the coalition and undo the effort to dismantle Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena.

STUBBORN SHINDE