Eknath Shinde
It has been five days since the results of the assembly elections in Maharashtra were out, but the name of the new Chief Minister is yet to be announced. With the passage of time, political agitation has intensified in Mumbai and Delhi. Former BJP Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will travel to Delhi, but before coming here he will go to Nagpur. Meanwhile, outgoing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde made a big announcement in Thane PC and said that there is no obstacle from our side to form the government. I have no problem with the BJP government. Whatever decision Prime Minister Modi takes, we will accept it.
Speaking about 50 minutes late, Shinde said: “First of all, thank you to all the voters. I thank all the journalists. We have achieved a landslide victory, people have faith in Mahayuti. I thank all of you for this.” He further said that after coming to power in the last two and a half years, our government initiated many plans and carried them forward. We have done tremendous work during this period. This victory is the victory of the people.
Leaving the decision on PM Modi for the CM post, Shinde said, “I thank the Maharashtra Development Center who stood with us like a rock. This is not possible without the help of the central government. I am a very clean-minded person. I have nothing in mind.” He said, “There is no obstacle from our side to form the government. We have already spoken to Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah. Whatever decision Prime Minister Modi takes, we will accept it. I will accept the BJP CM.”
I have to work, not fight: Eknath Shinde
He said: “I used to come home after working until four in the morning. I worked like an ordinary worker. I went among the common people. CM means common man. After becoming CM, I felt something should be done for the public.”
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shinde said that Prime Minister Modi stood by me like a rock for about two and a half years. I thank Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah who helped us financially in implementing all the plans. I am satisfied with my work and the decision I have made is historic.
He also said: “I have to work, not fight. I’m not a man to get angry. As a great alliance, we have won. Everything I did, I did in collaboration with everyone.”
JP Nadda met Amit Shah before PC
As per the pre-planned schedule, Shinde was supposed to do PC at 3 o’clock, but he was delayed by about 50 minutes. This PC was called Thane instead of Varsha Bungalow. Meanwhile, ahead of Shinde’s PC, BJP president JP Nadda met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi regarding Maharashtra. This meeting is considered very important ahead of Shinde’s press conference.
The situation regarding the next Chief Minister can be made clear in Shinde’s PC. To do this, he has called people linked to the media inside. However, it is now said that this PC will now be installed on the lawn. After Shinde’s PC, BJP will also make PC. While Shinde will make his PC in Thane, BJP will make his PC in Nagpur. On the other hand, the leaders of the three major parties included in the Mahayuti alliance have been summoned in Delhi.
BJP to counter Congress attack
Immediately after Eknath Shinde’s press conference in Thane, BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule will hold a press conference in Nagpur. Bawankule’s PC time is 4.15, but there may be a delay in this as well. It is said that this PC will not be based on any formula. There is speculation in the media that the BJP can counter the Congress’ attack on the ongoing tug-of-war in Maharashtra politics.
Amid speculation in political circles, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, leader of the RPI(A), a major ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA, on Tuesday called for an early decision on the new Chief Minister of the state. It was also suggested that outgoing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde be brought to the Center and made a Union Minister.
Athawale supported Fadnavis
Speaking to TV9 yesterday about the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Athawale said, “The Bharatiya Janata Party says we have more MLAs. In such a situation, Devendra Fadnavis will become the new Chief Minister of the state. “The BJP high command has given this message to Shinde (Eknath).” He also said that Shinde is demanding another term for himself. But the BJP is not ready for this.
Earlier, CM Eknath Shinde submitted his resignation to the governor yesterday, 3 days after the declaration of assembly election results. The Governor has asked Shinde to remain the Chief Minister until a new agreement is reached. However, even after the excellent victory of the Mahayuti alliance, it is not clear who will be the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The Shinde faction is demanding the CM post for itself, while the BJP wants to retain this post.
Mahayuti’s big victory in the elections
The Mahayuti alliance performed brilliantly in last week’s Saturday assembly elections. Mahayuti won a record 235 seats out of 288. Alliance constituents BJP had won a maximum of 132 seats, Shinde led Shiv Sena with 57 and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) 41 seats. In addition, the small parties included in the alliance also won 5 seats.
