Maharashtra's caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described his late-night meeting on Thursday with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda as "good and positive." This was the first post-election discussion between the key players of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, with the chief ministerial candidate for Maharashtra still undecided.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Shinde stated that the final decision would likely emerge in a subsequent meeting to be held in Mumbai. "The meeting was good and positive. This was the first meeting. We discussed with Amit Shah and JP Nadda. There will be another meeting of the Mahayuti, during which the decision on the Chief Minister will be made," Shinde said.
Shinde on His Role in the Alliance
Ahead of the crucial discussions, Shinde reiterated that there were no obstacles regarding the chief ministerial position. He referred to himself as "Ladla Bhai" (beloved brother), a title he holds in high regard. "I made it clear in yesterday's press conference that there are no hurdles for the Chief Minister of Mahayuti. This 'ladla bhai' has arrived in Delhi, and for me, the title of 'ladla bhai' is above all else," he remarked.
Who Will Be the Next Maharashtra Chief Minister?
As speculation intensifies over the Mahayuti’s choice for the top post, Devendra Fadnavis, the BJP’s prominent leader, has emerged as a frontrunner. Despite demands from Shiv Sena leaders for Shinde to serve another term, the outgoing CM has pledged to respect the BJP’s decision. "I have informed Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah that I will abide by their choice for the chief minister’s post," Shinde revealed.
During the meeting, Shah, Nadda, Shinde, and Fadnavis reportedly discussed power-sharing arrangements within the alliance. Shinde, who traveled to Delhi directly from Mumbai, met Shah at his Krishna Menon Marg residence, where Nadda was also present.
Shinde’s Future Role in the Cabinet
A close aide to Shinde suggested that the outgoing chief minister is unlikely to accept the role of deputy CM in the new government. Sanjay Shirsat, an MLA and spokesperson for the Shiv Sena, echoed this sentiment, stating, "He is unlikely to be a deputy chief minister. It does not befit someone who has already served as chief minister." However, Shirsat confirmed that Shinde would remain a key part of the new cabinet.
Shinde’s son, MP Shrikant Shinde, commended his father for upholding "alliance dharma," prioritizing collective governance over personal ambition. He lauded his father’s faith in PM Modi and Amit Shah and his commitment to Maharashtra's development.
BJP-Led Mahayuti’s Resounding Victory
The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a sweeping victory in Maharashtra’s state assembly elections, winning 230 of the 288 seats. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats, while Shinde’s Shiv Sena won 57, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction secured 41 seats.
The Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) suffered a significant setback, winning only 16 seats, marking one of its worst performances in Maharashtra’s history. Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) managed 20 seats, while Sharad Pawar’s NCP splinter group won just 10.
Following the Mahayuti’s electoral triumph, Eknath Shinde submitted his resignation as Chief Minister on Tuesday, as mandated by constitutional norms. Governor CP Radhakrishnan has requested Shinde to continue in a caretaker role until the formation of the new government.
Next Steps
The Mahayuti alliance is expected to announce its decision on the chief ministerial candidate in the coming days. With Devendra Fadnavis positioned as the frontrunner and Shinde indicating his willingness to step aside, all eyes are now on the alliance's upcoming meeting in Mumbai, where the final call on Maharashtra's leadership will likely be made.
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