The suspense over Maharashtra’s next chief minister will end on December 4, as the BJP legislature party is set to elect its new leader, a senior party official confirmed on Monday.
Earlier in the day, the BJP appointed Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani as central observers for the meeting.
Two-time former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is considered a strong contender for the position.
Caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, recently celebrated the party’s election victory.
The crucial legislature party meeting is scheduled for Wednesday morning at Vidhan Bhawan, according to a party insider.
Meanwhile, reports suggested that Eknath Shinde had expressed his dissatisfaction over not being considered for another term as CM by retreating to his village, Dare, in Satara district. However, Shinde clarified that his visit was for rest following an intense election campaign.
The BJP has confirmed that the newly elected chief minister will take the oath of office at 5 pm on December 5 at Azad Maidan, south Mumbai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders are expected to attend the ceremony.
Preparations for the event are already underway.
