Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devendra Fadnavis arrived at Varsha bungalow in Mumbai to meet Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday. The meeting lasted for half an hour. The meeting is very crucial as it is seen as an attempt to finalise the power-share formula ahead of the oath-taking ceremony which is scheduled to be held at Mumbai's Azad Maidan on December 5. The sources said that Shinde has taken a hard line on the Home Ministry post in the next government, which the saffron party also wants to keep with itself. However, they said Shinde has agreed to drop the demand for the Home Ministry after meeting Fadnavis.
Mahayuti leaders seek time from the Governor
The leaders of the Mahayuti sought time from the Governor on Wednesday to form the government. It is expected that the leaders of the Mahayuti will go to the Raj Bhavan after 3.30 pm and stake their claim.
Shinde visits hospital amid tussle over power-sharing
Earlier in the day, Shinde visited a private hospital in Thane for a "check-up," two days before the grand oath ceremony. Shinde, who had been staying at his private residence in Thane for the last few days, visited the hospital in the morning. "I came for a check-up. My health is in good condition," he told reporters while leaving the hospital for `Varsha', the CM's official residence in Mumbai.
A doctor said Shinde had throat issues. The caretaker chief minister had a fever and infection, which caused weakness. He also underwent an MRI scan as a precautionary measure. Shinde, whose party, Shiv Sena, is a constituent of the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition, has been unwell for the last few days. His decision to head to his village in Satara district last Friday had sparked speculation that he was unhappy over the way the new government was shaping up.
Preparation for the swearing-in ceremony underway
Even though it is not known yet who will take oath as chief minister at Azad Maidan on the evening of December 5, preparations are in full swing for the ceremony, to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, about 2,000 VVIPs and some 40,000 supporters. The gala event is expected to be attended by a host of dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president JP Nadda, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and several chief ministers.
Following the Mahayuti's landslide victory in the November 20 elections, the new Maharashtra government is slated to be sworn in on Thursday with BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, a two-time former chief minister, being touted as the frontrunner for the top post.
