Eknath Shinde resigns as Maharashtra Chief Minister amid uncertainty over successor

Eknath Shinde resigns, to serve as Caretaker Chief Minister amid Maharashtra suspense

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde resigned from his position on Tuesday, creating further uncertainty in the state’s political landscape as the ruling Mahayuti (BJP-led alliance) struggles to reach a consensus on who should succeed him. Shinde tendered his resignation to Governor C P Radhakrishnan at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai, with his deputies, Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis, also present during the formalities.

Despite stepping down, Shinde will continue to serve as the Caretaker Chief Minister until a new government is formed, leaving the political future of the state in limbo.

The Mahayuti coalition, which emerged victorious in the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections, securing 235 of the 288 seats, has been unable to agree on a new chief minister. While the Shiv Sena, which played a key role in the alliance’s success, has insisted that Shinde should remain at the helm, there is considerable support within the BJP for Devendra Fadnavis to take over as Chief Minister for a third term. Fadnavis’ bid has been bolstered by backing from NCP leader Ajit Pawar.

The Shiv Sena has argued that Shinde’s leadership played a crucial role in the alliance’s electoral triumph, especially citing the success of the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, which was his initiative and a key factor in winning voter support.

The BJP, which secured its highest-ever tally of 132 seats, has yet to finalize its candidate for the top post, while Shiv Sena and NCP won 57 and 41 seats, respectively. In light of the ongoing discussions, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske suggested that the BJP should consider a Bihar-style arrangement, where Nitish Kumar was made Chief Minister despite his party not holding a majority.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) late on Tuesday, Shinde appealed to his supporters not to gather at his residence in Mumbai to demand his continuation as Chief Minister. “I am deeply grateful for your love and support, but I request that no one should gather in such a manner,” he wrote, signaling that the decision on the next leadership should be handled without public pressure.

As the political drama unfolds, all eyes remain on the Mahayuti leadership to determine who will ultimately take charge of Maharashtra’s top office.

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