Shinde Calls for Unity, Requests No Crowds Outside ‘Varsha’ Over CM Post Discussion

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has called on his supporters to refrain from gathering outside his official residence, ‘Varsha’ in Mumbai, or any other location in his support, amid speculation over the next CM following the Mahayuti alliance’s strong performance in the state assembly elections.

Shinde expressed gratitude for the support shown by his followers but urged them not to assemble in such large numbers. “After the great victory of the Mahayuti alliance, our government will be formed once again in the state. We contested the election together, and we remain united,” he wrote on X.

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a significant win in the Maharashtra assembly elections, with 230 seats out of 288. However, the question of who will lead the government remains unresolved. Supporters of Shinde believe he should remain as CM due to his leadership in the victory, while BJP leaders are advocating for Devendra Fadnavis, the deputy chief minister, to take on the role for a third term.

Shinde’s call for unity comes as discussions continue within the BJP leadership on the next steps for government formation. Shiv Sena spokesperson Naresh Mhaske has suggested that Shinde should continue as CM, drawing comparisons to the Bihar model where BJP chose Nitish Kumar as CM despite not having the largest seat tally.