Eknath Shinde has hinted at stepping down as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, as speculation grows over his replacement. Sources suggest he might remain as caretaker CM until a new government is formed.
In a post shared early Tuesday on X (formerly Twitter), Eknath Shinde urged supporters not to gather at Varsha Niwas or elsewhere to push for his return. He stressed that the Mahayuti alliance remains united and committed to a prosperous Maharashtra. “After the great victory of Mahayuti, our government will be formed again. We contested the elections together and remain united,” Shinde wrote. He thanked his supporters but requested that they not assemble at his residence. He added, “The grand alliance will continue to be strong for a prosperous Maharashtra.”
महायुतीच्या प्रचंड विजयानंतर राज्यात पुन्हा एकदा आपले सरकार स्थापन होणार आहे. महायुती म्हणून आपण एकत्रित निवडणूक लढवली आणि आजही एकत्रच आहोत. माझ्यावरील प्रेमापोटी काही मंडळींनी सर्वांना एकत्र जमण्याचे, मुंबईत येण्याचे आवाहन केले आहे. तुमच्या या प्रेमासाठी मी अत्यंत मनापासून ऋणी…
— Eknath Shinde – एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) November 25, 2024
On the same day, Shinde, along with Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, met Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as the current assembly’s term ends.
Sources within the BJP say it could take another seven days to decide on the new CM and oath-taking.
In Thane, Shiv Sainiks held prayer meetings, hoping for Shinde’s reappointment. Supporters at the Siddhi Vinayak Temple and other locations attributed Mahayuti’s victory to Shinde’s leadership and his connection with the people. MP Naresh Mhaske said all Shiv Sainiks believe Shinde deserves another term as CM. He also hoped Mahayuti leaders would adopt the merit-based approach seen in states like Bihar.
Thane, Shinde’s home turf, showed strong support for his leadership. Shinde had won his seat in Kopri-Pachpakhadi by over 1.2 lakh votes.
Mahayuti won a decisive victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections. However, government formation has been delayed. Reports suggest the BJP and NCP are supporting Devendra Fadnavis for CM, while Shinde’s faction wants him to stay.
The BJP secured a record 132 seats, while Shinde’s Shiv Sena won 57. The new government is expected to have two deputy CMs, with BJP getting 24 ministers, Shiv Sena 12, and NCP 10.
Shinde, Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar are expected to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah soon to finalize the formation.
Though reports suggested a new CM might be sworn in by November 26, no decision has been made yet. An official dismissed rumors of President’s Rule being imposed if the new government isn’t formed by the end of the current assembly’s term. The 15th Maharashtra Assembly is already in place, with the names of newly-elected members submitted to Governor Radhakrishnan, the Election Commission confirmed.
