Eknath Shinde, the chief of Shiv Sena and outgoing Chief Minister of Maharashtra, has left the decision for the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During a press conference in Thane, Shinde said that whatever the BJP high command decides, he will not create obstacles. Shinde’s statement comes to keep the alliance united.
“I told PM Modi that I am not an obstacle,” Shinde asserted. “We will fully support whatever decision the BJP leadership takes. Shiv Sena stands with the BJP family, and whatever the latter decides, it will be our verdict also.”
Assumptions around Devendra Fadnavis as Next Maharashtra Chief Minister Arise
The deference by Shinde has raised speculations that the BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis may be the next Maharashtra Chief Minister. The BJP high command favors Fadnavis, assuming his creditable record in revamping the party’s fortunes in the state following lapses in the Lok Sabha. Fadnavis has already gone to Delhi to hold dialogues with the BJP high command, which has also amplified speculation of his return to the top post.
The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, which won a commanding 230 seats in the 288-member Assembly, is still busy in internal negotiations over who the next Maharashtra Chief Minister would be. Fadnavis has repeatedly claimed that the decision will be jointly with alliance partners Shiv Sena and NCP.
However, voices within the Shiv Sena have championed Shinde’s continuation as Chief Minister, arguing that the alliance fought the election under his leadership. “Eknath Shinde deserves to return as CM,” said Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat, dismissing suggestions that Shinde would accept a deputy role.
Shinde resigned as minister on Tuesday. He was asked by Governor CP Radhakrishnan to continue as caretaker Chief Minister. The final word on the next Maharashtra Chief Minister will be out any moment as the alliance leaders are leaving for Delhi. Unity among allies is crucial for a stable government as the BJP is just 12 seats short of the majority.
Also, see: Ajay Devgn’s Singham Again Crosses ₹242 Crores: Is It Too Less?