A meeting of the Mahayuti alliance at Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s residence concluded without finalizing the name of Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister. Following the meeting, Maharashtra’s caretaker Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, stated that the discussions were productive and that another meeting would be held in Mumbai to announce the CM candidate.
Amid ongoing discussions about the Chief Ministerial position after the Maharashtra Assembly elections, senior Mahayuti leaders met late Thursday night at Amit Shah’s residence in Delhi. The meeting was attended by Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar, Devendra Fadnavis, BJP National President J.P. Nadda, Praful Patel, and Sunil Tatkare. However, the question of who will lead as Chief Minister remains unresolved.
New Government Formation by December 2
The coalition leaders confirmed that Maharashtra’s new government would be formed by December 2. Discussions during the meeting centered around power-sharing arrangements and finalizing leadership roles.
Mahayuti to Convene in Mumbai
After the meeting, Eknath Shinde described the discussions as positive and constructive. He stated that this was the first meeting and that further discussions would take place in Mumbai, where the Chief Minister’s name would be finalized. Currently, three contenders are being considered for the role: Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar, and Devendra Fadnavis.
Shinde Clarifies His Role
Ahead of the meeting, Shinde addressed the media, emphasizing that there was no conflict regarding the Chief Ministerial post within the Mahayuti alliance. He reiterated his commitment to the coalition’s decisions and stated, “For me, the alliance and its goals are more significant than any position.”
Shinde Denies Interest in CM Post
On Wednesday, Shinde dismissed speculation about his aspirations for the Chief Minister’s position. He assured that he had no personal ambitions for the role and would respect any decision made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. “I stand firmly with the alliance, and there will be no obstacles from my side. I will fully support the BJP’s choice for Chief Minister,” he said.
Eknath Shinde’s Son Praises His Sacrifice
Meanwhile, Shinde’s son and MP, Shrikant Shinde, expressed pride in his father’s selflessness. He highlighted that Shinde had set an example of coalition loyalty by prioritizing the alliance’s interests over personal ambition. Additionally, Shinde’s close aide, Sanjay Shirsat, hinted that while Shinde might not take the Deputy Chief Minister’s position, he could still play a significant role in the new cabinet.