Eknath Shinde is expected to be sworn in as Deputy CM alongside Ajit Pawar in the upcoming Mahayuti 2.0 government in Maharashtra. Devendra Fadnavis has been elected as Chief Minister for the third time following the BJP's victory.

Devendra Fadnavis is scheduled to assume the role of Chief Minister after being unanimously elected as the Leader of the Maharashtra BJP Legislative Party earlier today

After days of impasse, the next Maharashtra government has begun taking shape as Fadnavis, Shinde and Pawar will take oath as the chief minister and deputy chief ministers of the state

Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, and NCP leader Ajit Pawar reached Raj Bhavan on Wednesday to meet the Maharashtra governor and stake claim on forming a government.

Addressing the media, Fadnavis extended an olive branch to Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, urging him to join the new cabinet.

Eknath Shinde to take oath as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister tomorrow: Sources

The decision for Shinde to serve as Deputy CM follows speculation about his dissatisfaction with portfolio allocations. However, sources indicate that discussions with Fadnavis and senior BJP leaders have resolved differences.

Addressing a press conference soon after meeting the governor, Eknath Shinde said Devendra Fadnavis recommended his name two and a half years ago and today he has supported him.

The suspense over who will become the chief minister of Maharashtra continues as Eknath Shinde cancelled his meetings on Monday citing poor health, while NCP leader Ajit Pawar left for Delhi to meet top BJP leadership and discuss government formation.

The deadlock over finalising the next Maharashtra Chief Minister dragged on as caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde cancelled his meetings today as he's unwell, while NCP leader Ajit Pawar headed to Delhi to meet with top BJP leadership over government formation.