As the Maharashtra assembly’s term ended on Tuesday, Eknath Shinde tendered his resignation from the chief ministerial post to state governor CP Radhakrishnan. The governor, however, asked Shinde to act as caretaker CM until the swearing-in of the new government. NCP chief Ajit Pawar and BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis too were present at the governor’s office with Shinde.
Devendra Fadnavis is the frontrunner for the post of chief minister, with the BJP actively endorsing him. Reports suggest that NCP chief Ajit Pawar has okayed the appointment of Fadnavis as CM too. Although the BJP and the NCP see eye to eye on who is to be the next chief minister of the state, there appears to be unsettlement and restlessness within the Sena camp, which wants Shinde to be retained as chief minister.
As the BJP leadership remains firm on Fadnavis for chief minister, several Sena MLAs had planned to gather outside the chief minister’s official residence (called Varsha) to demonstrate their support for and solidarity with Shinde. However, Shinde posted on X to deter his MLAs from gathering outside his residence. His post reads, “After the great victory of the Mahayuti alliance, our government will be formed once again in the state. As a grand alliance, we contested the election together and are still together today. Out of love for me, some people have appealed to everyone to gather together and come to Mumbai. I am deeply grateful for your love. But I appeal that no one should come together in my support in such a manner.”
While the BJP won a mammoth 132 seats in the Maharashtra assembly, Sena won 57 and the NCP won 41. These figures indicate that to reach the majority mark of 145, BJP only needs the support of one of its allies, and NCP has already expressed its support for Fadnavis. This puts Shiv Sena in a precarious position, resulting in a loss of bargaining power. BJP has the upper hand here, and Shinde does not seem to have much of choice but to acquiesce.
