Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, NCP chief Ajit Pawar, and other leaders of the Mahayuti alliance convened in Delhi on Thursday to discuss the formation of the new state government. The meeting included Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President JP Nadda.
Shinde’s Stand on CM Post
Speaking before the meeting, Eknath Shinde reiterated his unwavering commitment to the alliance and dismissed speculation about any conflict over the Chief Ministerial position.
He stated, “I cleared my role in the press conference yesterday that there are no obstacles regarding the Chief Minister of Mahayuti. This ‘ladla bhai’ is a designation higher than anything else for me.”
Shinde emphasized his loyalty to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, saying he would accept any decision regarding the CM post. He added, “If my presence creates any obstacle in forming the government in Maharashtra, there should be no hesitation in making a decision.”
BJP’s Position on Government Formation
BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis also addressed the media, affirming that the Mahayuti alliance remains united and that decisions are made collectively.
He said, “In our Mahayuti alliance, there has never been a difference of opinion. We have always made decisions collectively. Before the elections, we announced that the decision regarding the Chief Minister’s post would be taken collectively after the results.”
Fadnavis assured that the decision on the CM post would be finalized after consultations with alliance leaders.
Election Results and Mahayuti’s Performance
The Maharashtra Assembly election results were declared on November 23. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a clear majority but has yet to announce its Chief Ministerial candidate.
- BJP: 132 seats
- Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction): 57 seats
- NCP (Ajit Pawar faction): 41 seats
The Maharashtra Assembly has 280 seats, and the Mahayuti alliance holds a comfortable majority.