Amid ongoing speculation regarding the Chief Minister’s post in Maharashtra following the Mahayuti alliance’s victory in the 2024 general assembly elections, Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant, from Eknath Shinde’s faction, stated that his party would abide by the decision made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Samant also took a jab at the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), urging them to reflect on the fact that Maharashtra currently lacks a Leader of Opposition (LoP). He revealed that some MVA MLAs had been in contact with Shinde.
“Eknath Shinde has clearly outlined his role and expressed gratitude for the people’s mandate. CM Shinde has served as a common man, and I take pride in working alongside him. His dedication to serving the people of Maharashtra is evident, and the entire country witnessed this yesterday. Shiv Sena will respect whatever decision Modi and Shah make regarding the leadership. MVA should introspect, especially with no LoP in Maharashtra,” said Samant, Maharashtra’s Industries Minister.
He also mentioned that several MVA MLAs were in talks with Shinde, adding, “After our meeting, whatever decision Eknath Shinde makes, Shiv Sena and all MLAs will fully support it. Forming the government is our priority, and in time, we will reveal who joins us.”
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Ambadas Danve criticized Congress for being “overconfident” in the state, suggesting that this attitude had contributed to their losses in the assembly elections. He added, “Congress leaders were overconfident after the Lok Sabha elections, which resulted in losing key assembly seats. If Uddhav Thackeray had led, we could have won the elections in Maharashtra.”
Earlier, Maharashtra’s Caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reaffirmed his commitment to following the decision of Prime Minister Modi, saying, “I have informed the Prime Minister that if my presence causes any hindrance in forming the government, there is no doubt in my mind—whatever decision you take, I will accept it.” Shinde further emphasized that Shiv Sainiks would support the individual chosen as Chief Minister by Mahayuti.