MUMBAI: Almost more than a week after the  Maharashtra legislative assembly results were announced, the suspense over the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra continues to grip the state as political leaders and citizens alike await the final decision. Despite a resounding victory in the recent assembly elections, the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), winning 235 seats, it has yet to announce the name of the new Chief Minister.

Caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, headed to his native village in Satara to rest after a hectic election schedule, leading to speculations about his indecision, was laid to rest as today emphatically reiterated his unconditional support for the BJP leadership's decision on Sunday. Shinde, who has been unwell with a fever and throat infection, assured the media that the decision on the Chief Ministerial candidate would be made soon. 

A team of doctors led by doctor RM Parte after his checkup, advised him to take rest for a few days. "He is doing fine now, he is suffering from a fever and its side effects. We have given him antibiotics," the doctor told media people.

Although the BJP leadership has hinted that the name of the new Chief Minister has already been finalized, with only an official approval awaited from the senior party leadership and it seems no secret that Devendra Fadnavis, a two-time Chief Minister and former Deputy Chief Minister, is the frontrunner for the top post. The present caretaker Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief has said that Fadnavis would indeed be heading the state and his party has welcomed this decision.

Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Saturday said that the swearing-in of the new Mahayuti government in Maharashtra will take place on December 5 and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the ceremony which will take place at 5 pm at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai. A meeting is scheduled to be held on December 2 to pick the BJP legislature party leader.

Although the delay in announcing the Chief Ministerial candidate has led to various speculations, leaders from all parties within the alliance are firm that they stand with the decision proposed by the BJP leadership including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on the name of the top post. As the suspense continues, the people of Maharashtra eagerly hope for a leader who will steer the state towards progress and development.