Mumbai, 26 Nov. 24: Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde stepped down as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, submitting his resignation to Governor CP Radhakrishnan at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. Accompanying him were his deputies, Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis.
Shinde has been appointed as the caretaker Chief Minister until a new government is formed. The term of the Maharashtra assembly is set to expire on November 26, intensifying the race for the state’s top political position.
Both BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde have emerged as frontrunners for the Chief Minister’s post in the Mahayuti alliance. While BJP and NCP have thrown their weight behind Fadnavis, the Shiv Sena is advocating for Shinde to continue, citing his pivotal role in implementing the ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana,’ a policy they claim played a key role in the assembly elections.
Amid the political uncertainty, Shinde urged his supporters to avoid gathering at his official residence to advocate for his reappointment. In a post on X, he wrote, “Out of love for me, some people have appealed to everyone to gather together and come to Mumbai. I am deeply grateful for your love. But I appeal that no one should come together in my support in such a manner.”
The political landscape in Maharashtra remains tense as the Mahayuti alliance deliberates its choice for Chief Minister, with key stakeholders navigating alliances and expectations to determine the state’s future leadership.
