Mumbai, 27 November 2024 – Caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has signaled his readiness to step aside as Maharashtra’s next chief minister, placing the decision firmly in the hands of the BJP’s top leadership. The move comes ahead of a crucial meeting in New Delhi on Thursday, where Shinde, along with other Mahayuti allies, will meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to finalize the CM candidate.
“I have spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, informing them that I will not hinder the formation of the new government. The Shiv Sena will accept whatever decision they take,” Shinde said during a media interaction in Mumbai.
While emphasizing the importance of a unified front among allies, Shinde clarified that the decision on the chief ministerial role will be made collectively after detailed discussions with BJP and other alliance partners.
Calling himself a “people’s Chief Minister,” Shinde reflected on his tenure, highlighting pro-people initiatives like the Ladki Behna scheme, which he claimed played a pivotal role in the Mahayuti alliance’s resounding electoral victory. “We worked to transform the lives of common citizens. As a farmer’s son, I understand poverty firsthand. The schemes we launched benefitted over 2.5 crore women, despite opposition challenges,” Shinde stated, thanking PM Modi for his continued support.
The Mahayuti alliance, which includes BJP, Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, is expected to finalize its leadership framework during Thursday’s discussions with Shah. All eyes remain on the alliance as it prepares to shape Maharashtra’s next government.
