Eknath Shinde: BJP Will Decide Maharashtra CM, Decision Acceptable to Me

Mumbai(The Uttam Hindu):Maharashtra's caretaker Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, on Sunday (December 1, 2024), reiterated his support for the BJP's decision regarding the next Chief Minister. Speaking in his native village of Dare in Satara district, the Shiv Sena leader reaffirmed his alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “I have already clarified my position. The decision made by the BJP leadership will be acceptable to both me and the Shiv Sena,” Mr. Shinde stated.

Dispelling rumors of discontent over government formation, Mr. Shinde dismissed any speculations about his recent village visit. “Why should there be confusion? I visit my village regularly. Our responsibilities have increased due to the overwhelming mandate from the people,” he remarked. Recovering from a brief illness, he emphasized that his stance on the CM post had been clear since last week.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Raosaheb Danve, in a separate statement, revealed that the decision on the new Chief Minister had been finalized and was awaiting confirmation from the party's central leadership. “Even the public knows who the next CM will be,” he said, hinting at Devendra Fadnavis, the former CM and Mr. Shinde’s deputy in the outgoing government, as the frontrunner.

Shiv Sena Criticizes Delay in Government Formation

The uncertainty surrounding the CM announcement drew sharp criticism from Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, who termed the delay in forming the new government as an “insult” to Maharashtra.

Mr. Shinde had headed to his native village on Friday (November 29, 2024), amidst speculation of dissatisfaction with the government formation process. He was briefly unwell and was expected to return to Mumbai later on Sunday.

The Mahayuti alliance—comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP—secured a landslide victory in the Assembly elections, with results declared on November 23.

Oath-Taking Ceremony Scheduled Amid Speculation

Despite no official announcement of the Chief Minister, the oath-taking ceremony is set for December 5 at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to attend. State BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule confirmed the date, adding to the speculation around the new leadership.