Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the swearing-in of the new Mahayuti government in Maharashtra on December 5 evening as BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis emerged as the frontrunner for the post of

In the Maharashtra assembly elections held on 20 November, the Mahayuti coalition—comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's NCP—secured a commanding victory, winning 230 out of 288 seats.

NCP Chief Ajit Pawar confirmed the decision for the BJP to lead Maharashtra's government, while the Mahayuti alliance faces delays. As caretaker CM Eknath Shinde deals with health issues, the oath-taking ceremony is set for December 5 with Prime Minister Modi in attendance.

BJP will assume Maharashtra's chief minister post with a swearing-in on December 5, amid discontent from Shiv Sena over the announcement's unilateral nature.

BJP on Saturday announced that the new Mahayuti govt will be sworn in on Dec 5 in what is being seen as a signal to Eknath Shinde to make up his mind fast about joining the govt led by Devendra Fadnavis.

In addition to the BJP's dominance with 132 seats in the 288-member Assembly, the Shiv Sena secured 57 seats, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction won 41 seats, enabling the Mahayuti alliance to form a government comfortably.

Maharashtra's caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who fell ill in his native village in Satara district, is recovering and is expected to return to Mumbai on Sunday evening, according to an associate.