Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday took a swipe at the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), alleging that their alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reduced them to “sub-companies” of the BJP.
At a press conference in Mumbai, Raut remarked, “The Chief Minister will be decided by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar have no authority to make decisions for their own parties. These two parties are mere slaves of Amit Shah and Modi, functioning as BJP’s subsidiaries.”
Raut also predicted that BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis would likely be appointed as the next Chief Minister. He stated, “The BJP currently has a majority, albeit short by a few seats. If needed, they can engineer splits in Eknath Shinde’s and Ajit Pawar’s parties to secure a majority — something they have done before in Maharashtra. In my view, Devendra Fadnavis will become the next CM.”
This comes after Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde resigned as Maharashtra Chief Minister and was appointed as the caretaker CM until a new government is formed. However, the Mahayuti (grand alliance) is yet to finalize its candidate for the state’s top post.
Outgoing cabinet member and Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar echoed the sentiment that the final decision would rest with the BJP’s central leadership. “Whatever decision is taken by Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Shah will be acceptable,” Kesarkar told reporters. “The Mahayuti leaders will deliberate, consult Delhi, and then finalize the decision.”
When asked if a frontrunner had emerged for the Chief Minister’s position, Kesarkar responded, “There is no clear favorite as of now. Discussions are ongoing among leaders, and a collective decision will be made.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Eknath Shinde addressed his supporters, urging them not to gather in his support. In an X post, Shinde stated, “I deeply appreciate the love and support shown to me, but I request everyone not to assemble in Mumbai or elsewhere on my behalf. Shiv Sena workers should refrain from gathering at Varsha Bungalow or any other location.”
Shinde reaffirmed the unity within the Mahayuti alliance, emphasizing that the coalition remains intact and committed to forming the government. “After the decisive victory of the Mahayuti, our government will once again be established in the state. We contested the election as a united front and remain together today,” he wrote.