As Maharashtra awaits its election results, political camps Mahayuti (BJP-Shiv Sena alliance) and Maha Vikas Aghadi (Congress-Shiv Sena-NCP) are witnessing intense speculation over the next Chief Minister. Both alliances are poised for post-election negotiations to finalize the CM pick.

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• BJP’s Chandrashekhar Bawankule mentioned party workers favor Devendra Fadnavis as CM, while Shiv Sena (Shinde) supports Eknath Shinde.
• BJP contested the most seats (152) and is expected to emerge as the single-largest party with ~100 seats.
• Mahayuti maintained silence on CM choice during campaigning, though Fadnavis featured prominently in BJP promotions.
• Eknath Shinde claimed there’s no internal tussle in Mahayuti, stating CM will be decided post-results.
• Congress state chief Nana Patole suggested Congress could lead the government in Maha Vikas Aghadi.
• Patole later backtracked, saying the decision rests with the Congress High Command.
• Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut rejected Patole’s earlier claim, citing lack of High Command approval.
• Aditya Thackeray noted Uddhav Thackeray remains a popular choice for CM within the MVA.
• Most exit polls predict a Mahayuti win, intensifying the CM race within the alliance.
• Election results are expected shortly, setting the stage for post-result power negotiations.