Who Will Be 'King'? Mahayuti's Next Hurdle As BJP, Shiv Sena Split Over Decision On Maharashtra CM Chair

Maharashtra Assembly Election Result: Senior BJP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is likely to be the next chief minister of the state, BJP spokesperson Pravin Darekar, said expressing surprise at the massive lead for BJP in Maharashtra. However, Shiv Sena said Eknath Shinde should remain the chief minister.''This result has taken us by surprise. We knew we would win but never expected such an overwhelming result. I think Devendra Fadnavis is likely to be the chief minister,'' Darekar told reporters in Mumbai. The ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance appeared set to retain power in the state and was leading in 204 of the 288 assembly seats, as per the latest figures by the Election Commission.The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was stumbling, with its candidates leading in just 47 seats, as per the early trends.Shiv Sena spokesperson Sheetal Mhtare said Mahayuti leaders will decide who will be the chief minister. "We think Eknath Shinde should remain the chief minister," she said.In the ruling Mahayuti alliance, the BJP contested 149 assembly seats, Shiv Sena 81 seats, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP fielded candidates in 59 constituencies.