New Delhi: Amidst the suspense over the next chief minister of Maharashtra, caretaker chief minister Eknath Shinde expressed his willingness to step aside if necessary, putting the welfare of the state and the Mahayuti alliance above personal ambition. “Whoever is elected as CM by Mahayuti, Shiv Sainiks will support him,” he added.
Speaking in Thane, Shinde said, “I have told PM Narendra Modi that I won’t be a roadblock, and he can take a decision for the betterment of Maharashtra and the Mahayuti alliance.” The statement comes as deliberations continue within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies over the leadership question following their resounding victory in the recent state assembly elections.
Shinde, who served as CM after leading a dramatic split in the Shiv Sena, emphasised his commitment to public service. “I never thought I would become the chief minister. I worked as a common worker, and even as CM, I saw myself as a ‘Common Man’. My focus has always been on addressing the pain of citizens and working for their betterment,” he said.
During his tenure, Shinde claimed credit for propelling Maharashtra to the top rank in governance. “When I became CM, Maharashtra was at the third spot. In just six months, we worked hard to make it Number 1,” he stated.
Mahayuti alliance united, says BJP
While speculation mounts, BJP leaders have maintained that the decision on the CM post will be made collectively. Senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar dismissed reports of discord within the alliance, likening their partnership to the enduring friendship in the Bollywood classic Sholay. “We are three friends. This friendship won’t break,” he remarked.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is seen as a frontrunner for the top post, assured that the decision would be announced soon, following consultations with all senior alliance members.
Opposition criticises delay
The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has criticised the delay in naming the Chief Minister, accusing the BJP of exploiting Shinde’s image during the campaign but sidelining him now. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Clyde Crasto alleged that Shinde was being used by the BJP, while Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi questioned the rationale behind the delay in making an official announcement.
“If Devendra Fadnavis’ name has been finalised, why not announce it quickly? The people of Maharashtra deserve clarity and decisive leadership,”* said Chaturvedi.
