As the suspense over Maharashtra’s new Chief Minister continues, Shiv Sena made it clear on Wednesday that Eknath Shinde will not accept the position of Deputy Chief Minister. A senior Shinde Sena leader emphasized that the Mahayuti coalition’s massive victory in the November 20 Maharashtra Assembly elections was due to Eknath Shinde’s leadership.
The elections were fought in the name of Eknath Shinde, said Sanjay Shirsat, a Shiv Sena leader. He deserves to be Chief Minister and will not settle for the Deputy CM post. Shirsat further stressed, If the BJP agrees to our demand and makes Shinde CM, it will send a positive message to the people, which will benefit us in future elections.
Mahayuti’s Thumping Victory
The Mahayuti coalition, which includes Shinde Sena, BJP, and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, secured a massive win with 230 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly. This overwhelming majority gave the ruling alliance the power to form the next government.
- BJP: 132 seats
- Shiv Sena: 57 seats
- NCP: 41 seats
- MVA Opposition: 46 seats
While the BJP has supported Devendra Fadnavis for the Chief Minister’s post, the NCP also backed its leader, Ajit Pawar, for the top role.
Shinde Sena’s Demands
Following Union Minister Ram Athawale’s suggestion that Shinde might move to Delhi while Fadnavis becomes Chief Minister, Sanjay Shirsat dismissed the idea. We do not take Athawale seriously, he stated. He should focus on his work at the Centre. The politics of Maharashtra is ours.
Sources close to Shinde Sena revealed that during several meetings with BJP leaders, a clear agreement was made: if the Mahayuti secured a majority, Shinde would be Chief Minister, regardless of seat distribution among coalition parties.
BJP’s Stand
On the delay in naming the new CM, BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar said, We have a clear majority and are taking time to formulate the plan. He added, “This delay is not unusual; even the Congress took time to name their Chief Minister in Karnataka.
He further clarified that the final decision on Maharashtra’s Chief Minister would be made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The battle for Maharashtra’s Chief Ministership is far from over, and Eknath Shinde’s rejection of the Deputy CM role has added another twist to the ongoing political drama. As the BJP and Shiv Sena navigate their next moves, all eyes will remain on Delhi for the final decision.
