Eknath Shinde to listen to PM Modi, Amit Shah about Maharashtra CM choice, says he won't be an obstacle

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ET OnlineLast Updated: Nov 27, 2024, 05:07:00 PM IST

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Eknath Shinde will respect the NDA's choice for Maharashtra's next CM. Devendra Fadnavis is the likely candidate. Shinde emphasized his commitment to public service. The Mahayuti alliance won a resounding victory. The BJP seeks Shinde's support for a smooth transition. Shinde served as caretaker CM after submitting his resignation. The new CM announcement is pending.

Maharashtra: Eknath Shinde hints at Fadnavis as CM, says 'no hurdles ...'

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis' road to be CM has become seemingly clear as Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde said on Wednesday that he will accept the NDA's decision over a chief ministerial choice and will not pose "as a roadblock" to government formation. He also said that never saw himself as a CM but rather as a common man, amid a political suspense over BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis being the next leader of the state.

"You (PM Modi) are the head of our family. The way people of BJP accept your decision, we will also accept your decision in the same way. I made a phone call to PM Modi and HM Amit Shah yesterday and told them that there will be no problem in forming the government because of me...Whatever decision the BJP leadership takes, we will support it completely. There should be no doubts on your minds that the Shiv Sena supports whatever the BJP decides, tomorrow we will decide on the govt formation with Amit Shah in Delhi" he said while addressing a press conference at his home in Thane.

Read More: Eknath Shinde Press Conference Live

Eknath Shinde: 'See myself as a common man'

"I never saw myself as a CM but looked at myself as a common man...I worked as CM not to become popular but for welfare of people of Maharashtra. I knew their problems, as I have come from a middle class family. I knew about their issues and problems and I used to think that when I get power I would do something for them, for women, for farmers, for patients, when you go through the pain you come to know of peoples problems," he further said.

Despite the Maharashtra BJP continuing to push for Devendra Fadnavis, the alliance has delayed a formal announcement on the CM choice, seeking Shinde’s buy-in to maintain coalition harmony.

All clear for Devendra Fadnavis now?

Top BJP leaders are expected to visit Maharashtra soon as observers for government formation, with some speculating that Shinde could be moved to a central role as a Union minister. Sources revealed to ET that Shinde has been informed of Fadnavis' likely appointment but has not responded positively. However, Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Shirsat has denied that any final decision on the CM post has been made or communicated to Shinde, ET reported on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Shinde met with Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday morning and submitted his resignation following the results of the state assembly elections. The Governor requested that Shinde continue in his role as caretaker chief minister until a new one is sworn in.

Although the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's NCP, secured a decisive victory with 230 out of 288 seats in the assembly, the ruling coalition has yet to reach a consensus on who should be the next chief minister.

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In Video: Maharashtra: Eknath Shinde hints at Fadnavis as CM, says 'no hurdles ...'