Maharashtra’s caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated on Sunday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will decide the next Chief Minister of the state, and assured that he would offer his full support to the chosen candidate. Shinde emphasized that there were no differences among the Mahayuti alliance partners – Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP – regarding the formation of the new government. He also mentioned that discussions were ongoing, and decisions would be made by consensus within the alliance.
Speaking from his native Dare village in Satara district, Shinde clarified that he regularly visits his village and expressed surprise over any confusion regarding his visit, especially after he had already made his position on the CM post clear the previous week. While there had been speculation about his dissatisfaction with the government’s formation process, Shinde assured that he was in good health and was simply in his village to rest. He is expected to return to Mumbai by Sunday evening.
Shinde also stressed that the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, had secured a resounding victory in the recent state assembly elections, which were concluded on November 23. The new government is set to take oath on December 5 at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi slated to attend the ceremony. However, while the CM candidate has not been officially named, BJP sources indicated that former CM Devendra Fadnavis is the frontrunner for the role.
On the issue of his son, Shrikant Shinde, who represents Lok Sabha, being considered for the CM post, Eknath Shinde acknowledged that talks were ongoing but reiterated that the final decision would be made through consultations within the alliance. He emphasized that the priority would be to provide a government that aligns with the aspirations of the people, especially given the massive mandate received in the elections.
Addressing questions about the formation of the government, Shinde reaffirmed that there were no differences among the Mahayuti partners and that all decisions would be made in the interest of the public. He also pointed out that the BJP had not yet announced its legislature party leader. Despite the ongoing discussions, Shinde remained confident that the final outcome would reflect the collective will of the alliance, and assured that he and his party would support whatever decision the BJP leadership takes.