Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde has assured full support to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Mahayuti alliance in deciding the next chief minister of Maharashtra. Speaking to the media, Shinde, who recently stepped down as Maharashtra’s chief minister, emphasized that he would wholeheartedly accept any decision made by the alliance leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Shinde stated, “Yesterday, I called PM Modi and told him to take a decision, and we will follow that. I also conveyed the same to Home Minister Amit Shah. I am content with the work done during my tenure and will continue to serve Maharashtra as a dedicated volunteer.”
The Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), secured a decisive victory in the recently concluded Maharashtra Assembly elections. The alliance won 235 of the 288 seats, with BJP securing 131, Shiv Sena 57, and NCP 41 seats.
Shinde expressed pride in the progress achieved under the Mahayuti government during his tenure. He noted that numerous stalled development projects, which had been delayed under the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi government, were successfully completed. He further stated, “I have always worked as a common volunteer and will continue to do so. I have never considered myself as a chief minister, but as someone dedicated to the people of Maharashtra.”
While Shinde has received support from several Shiv Sena leaders to continue as chief minister, the final decision will be taken in consultation with the BJP and NCP leadership. Both Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP and Shinde are seen as strong contenders for the post.
The decision is expected to be announced after discussions between the alliance leaders and consultations with PM Modi and Amit Shah. With the overwhelming mandate given to the Mahayuti alliance, expectations are high for a stable and effective government in Maharashtra.
