Sources indicate that Shinde is resolute in his stance against Devendra Fadnavis assuming the role of Chief Minister of Maharashtra
Mumbai: Eknath Shinde has been in the limelight since the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), referred to as the Mahayuti alliance, achieved a significant victory in the recent Maharashtra elections. Sources indicate that Shinde is resolute in his stance against Devendra Fadnavis assuming the role of Chief Minister of Maharashtra. As attention focuses on him regarding the formation of the Maharashtra government, Caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has been suffering from a fever and throat infection for the past two days, according to his family doctor, who noted that he is recuperating in his hometown in Satara district.
A medical team consisting of three to four doctors is currently attending to Eknath Shinde in his village, as reported by news agency ANI, citing Dr. RM Patre, the family physician of the Caretaker Chief Minister. Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde has captured public attention following the substantial victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA, also known as the Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, in the state Assembly elections, raising questions about the next chief ministerial appointment.
After a period of uncertainty, Eknath Shinde declared earlier this week his willingness to accept the decisions made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP leadership, thereby allowing the party to consider naming Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the chief ministerial position. Although no official announcement has been made, recent developments suggest that Fadnavis is the most likely candidate.
Maharashtra government formation | Key points
Maharashtra Oath-Taking Ceremony: In light of the ongoing uncertainty regarding the announcement of the chief ministerial candidate in Maharashtra, BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule declared on Saturday that the oath-taking ceremony for the Mahayuti government is scheduled for 5 PM on December 5 at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. Bawankule further stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present at the event.
‘Shinde to Make Significant Decision’: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat indicated on Saturday that caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is anticipated to make an important decision by Sunday. When questioned about the distribution of ministries among allies, Shirsat mentioned that all details would be clarified by Monday evening. “In my view, whenever Eknath Shinde requires time for contemplation, he retreats to his native village. By tomorrow evening, he will announce a major decision, which may be political in nature… Everything will be clear by Monday evening,” Shirsat informed news agency ANI.
Next Chief Minister to be from BJP, asserts Ajit Pawar: NCP chief Ajit Pawar stated on Saturday that the forthcoming chief minister of Maharashtra will be from the BJP, with two deputy chief ministers representing other constituents of the Mahayuti alliance.
Maharashtra Election Results: The BJP emerged as the dominant party, securing 132 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly, while its allies—the Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, and the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar—obtained 57 and 41 seats, respectively. The voting for the Maharashtra Assembly elections occurred on November 20, with the counting of votes taking place on November 23.
