Fadnavis, 54, was widely expected to return as the chief minister after the BJP-led Mahayuti stormed to power in Maharashtra following a stunning performance in the assembly elections.

Devendra Fadnavis' name was finalised for the top post at the BJP's core committee meet held ahead of the legislature party meeting, sources said.

Reacting to his election as the leader of the BJP Legislative Party and the Maharashtra chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday thanked the senior leaders of the party, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Eknath Shinde agrees to join the new Mahayuti government as one of the two deputy Chief Ministers, while the government is likely to be led by BJP's D