The uncertainty over the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra continues, as caretaker CM Eknath Shinde expressed his readiness to accept any decision made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai on Wednesday, Shinde affirmed his commitment to the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance’s unity and pledged the support of Shiv Sainiks to the leader chosen as CM.
“I have told the Prime Minister that if there is any issue in forming the government in Maharashtra because of me, he should not hesitate. Whatever decision he takes, I will accept it,” Shinde said. He is set to leave for Delhi later in the day for discussions with the BJP top brass, including PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
Describing PM Modi as the head of the Mahayuti “family,” Shinde added, “The way BJP members respect his decisions, Shiv Sainiks will also abide by them. I have assured both the PM and the Home Minister that I will not let my position hinder the formation of the government.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Shinde said he always viewed himself as a “common man” rather than a Chief Minister. “CM means Common Man. I worked with this mindset and focused on addressing the struggles of ordinary citizens,” he stated.
The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, the Shiv Sena faction led by Shinde, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, secured a decisive victory in the November 23 Maharashtra Assembly elections. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats, while the Shiv Sena and NCP won 57 and 41 seats, respectively, in the 280-member assembly.
However, the alliance has yet to finalize its Chief Minister. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis traveled to Delhi earlier on Wednesday to consult the BJP leadership. Speaking to the media, Fadnavis assured that a decision on the Chief Minister would be announced soon.
“The answer will come shortly. Senior leaders from all three Mahayuti parties are deliberating together,” Fadnavis said, adding that cabinet appointments would follow the CM’s selection.
(With ANI inputs)