Devendra Fadnavis, the first BJP chief minister of Maharashtra, remains a "strong frontrunner" for the top post but may find the sensitive caste dynamics working against him, sources told Times Now. Devendra Fadnavis is a Brahmin while both Eknath Shinde (current caretaker CM) and Ajit Pawar belonged to Maratha community which has dominated the politics of Maharashtra for decades.

Speaking to reporters, Shirsat said, "Yesterday, leaders from Maharashtra met at the residence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will make the final decision regarding the new Chief Minister.

Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, who is projected to be the Next CM of Maharashtra and NCP leader Ajit Pawar on Thursday night reac

On Wednesday, Eknath Shinde, who resigned as Chief Minister on Tuesday but remains the caretaker CM, stated that he left the decision to decide the next Maharashtra Chief Minister to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP leadership.

Amid uncertainty over Maharashtra's next Chief Minister, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis dismissed reports of discord, asserting that the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP would jointly form the government.

Devendra Fadnavis thanks Amit Shah for support during Maharashtra elections; Mahayuti leaders meet to decide Chief Minister.

Union Minister and Republican Party of India-Athawale (RPI-A) chief Ramdas Athawale on Monday claimed that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, is poised to become the next Chief Minister of the state.

The meeting will likely lead to a decision on who will be the next chief minister of Maharashtra – likely to be Devendra Fadnavis.

The decision on 43 other cabinet berths and portfolio distribution among the three alliance members of Mahayuti (BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP) is yet to be finalised.