Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde cancelled his meetings with Mahayuti leaders to discuss the new government formation due to his ill health, extending the deadlock that has persisted for 10 days since the alliance's massive win last month.

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.

Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar, and Devendra Fadnavis, either together or individually, are expected to visit Delhi later in the evening.

Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam lashed out at Ajit Pawar and the NCP, stating that it was Pawar's interference that cost Shiv Sena the top post. "Earlier, when Ajit Pawar joined Shiv Sena in 2023, it cost our people ministerial posts," Kadam told Zee 24 Hour.

Will Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar leave BJP's Mahayuti and switch sides to form MVA's government in Maharashtra?

Maharashtra: The Maharashtra Assembly election results were declared on November 23, but the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance has yet to finalise its choice for Chief Minister.

Is "sulking" Eknath Shinde delaying the formation of BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra? Nine days after Mahayuti won a "Maha" mandate, there is still no end to the "Maha" suspense on the contours of the next government.

BJP leader Raosaheb Danve hinted that the Maharashtra Chief Minister's name has been finalised, while a Shiv Sena leader said Eknath Shinde is expected to return to Mumbai today as government formation hangs in the balance.

The new Mahayuti government is set to be sworn in on December 5 at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, Maharashtra BJP unit said.