Outgoing Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday made a significant statement, declaring his willingness to step aside in favor of a smooth government formation in the state. Shinde expressed his readiness to accept any decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah as "final," signaling a potential return of BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis to the helm of the Maharashtra government.
In a press conference held in Thane, Shinde stated, "I spoke with Modiji and Amit Shahji on Tuesday and told them their decision as leaders of the NDA and Mahayuti will be final for us. Shiv Sena will wholeheartedly support BJP's choice for the next Maharashtra Chief Minister, even if it is a BJP candidate or another leader from the Mahayuti coalition. There is no speed-breaker from our side."
Shinde's remarks came amidst BJP's remarkable performance in recent elections, which bolstered its position as the dominant party in the Mahayuti coalition. The BJP's strong showing has sparked widespread speculation about Fadnavis reclaiming the Chief Minister's post he held from 2014 to 2019. Fadnavis was previously poised for a second term before the dramatic split between the BJP and Shiv Sena under Uddhav Thackeray, which led to the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition with Congress and the NCP.
Shinde, flanked by key Shiv Sena MLAs, including Pratap Sarnaik and Dada Bhuse, reiterated his gratitude to the BJP for its support during his tenure. "I openly conveyed to Modiji and Amit bhai that they should not consider me an obstacle. The decision they take is final for BJP, and it is equally final for us. We are grateful for the opportunity to lead the state and their unwavering support during our time in office," Shinde added.
Though he did not explicitly concede the Chief Minister's position to the BJP, his statements are being interpreted as giving BJP a free hand in determining the coalition's leadership. Asked about his feelings on potentially not receiving a second term, Shinde dismissed such concerns, emphasizing, "BJP supported my tenure as Chief Minister, and our focus remains on serving the people."
Shinde also hinted at ongoing deliberations regarding the distribution of power within the new cabinet. "There is a meeting scheduled in Delhi tomorrow with Amit Shahji, where all related decisions will be finalized," he said. A meeting involving Shinde, Fadnavis, and NCP leader Ajit Pawar is expected to conclude the power-sharing formula between the coalition partners.
With Shinde stepping back and extending unconditional support, the BJP appears poised to capitalize on its electoral triumph. Fadnavis’s return as Chief Minister would symbolize BJP's consolidation of power in Maharashtra, bringing an end to the political upheaval that began with the Sena’s split in 2019. As Maharashtra awaits the final announcement, the state gears up for a new chapter under the Mahayuti coalition's leadership.
Shinde’s deference to BJP leadership and his acknowledgment of the coalition's unity underscores the political realignment in Maharashtra, solidifying BJP’s dominance and marking a significant turn in the state’s political landscape.
Comments (1)
R
This decision will make my country proud