Eknath Shinde's Optimistic Response Fuels Speculation Over Sealed CM Deal After Amit Shah Meeting

Maharashtra (The Uttam Hindu): Amid ongoing uncertainty over the Mahayuti alliance's choice for Maharashtra's chief minister, caretaker CM Eknath Shinde described his first post-election meeting with Union Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda as "good and positive." Shinde confirmed that a final decision on the chief minister’s post would be made in a subsequent meeting, scheduled to take place in Mumbai. "The meeting was positive. This was the first one, and we had discussions with Amit Shah and JP Nadda. A decision regarding the Chief Minister will be made in another Mahayuti meeting," Shinde told reporters.

Shinde's Role in the Mahayuti Alliance

Ahead of the meeting, Eknath Shinde reaffirmed that there were no obstacles in selecting the chief minister. He also referenced the title "Ladla Bhai," saying it held more importance to him than any political designation. “There are no issues regarding the chief minister’s post within Mahayuti. This ‘Ladla Bhai’ is more significant to me than any title,” Shinde remarked. He had also stated earlier that he would respect whatever decision Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes regarding the CM choice for Maharashtra.

Key Participants in the Mahayuti Meeting

The initial official meeting of the Mahayuti alliance, which included Shinde, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, NCP chief Ajit Pawar, and other leaders, took place on Thursday in the presence of Amit Shah and JP Nadda. Following the discussions, Shinde, Fadnavis, and Pawar left Delhi late that evening. The meeting aimed to discuss the formation of the new government in Maharashtra.

Sources Say BJP Likely to Pick CM, Decision Expected on Saturday

According to sources, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other Mahayuti leaders finalized the power-sharing arrangement during Thursday’s meeting. It is reported that the BJP will hold the chief minister’s post, with Amit Shah approving the selection of two deputy chief ministers—one from each ally, Shiv Sena and NCP. The final decision on the CM’s candidate is expected to be made on Saturday during a meeting of BJP MLAs in Mumbai.

Fadnavis Reassures on Unity Within Mahayuti Alliance

Devendra Fadnavis, BJP leader, addressed concerns about internal differences within the Mahayuti alliance, asserting that there were no disagreements. “There has never been a difference of opinion within the Mahayuti alliance. We make decisions collectively. We agreed before the elections that the CM decision would be taken after consulting all leaders,” Fadnavis said. The Maharashtra Assembly election results, declared on November 23, saw the BJP emerge as the largest party with 132 seats in the 280-member assembly, followed by its allies, the Shiv Sena (led by Shinde) with 57 seats and the NCP (led by Ajit Pawar) with 41 seats. However, the ruling alliance has yet to finalize its choice for the Chief Minister.