Eknath Shinde resigned as chief minister from governor CP Radhakrishnan on Tuesday as the term of the Maharashtra assembly ended. The governor, however, asked Shinde to remain as caretaker CM until new government is sworn in. NCP chief Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis also reached the governor's office to tender their resignation.
It was a huge win for the Mahayuti alliance in the state, but still it has not finalized its chief ministerial candidate. Two time chief minister and deputy CM as of now, Devendra Fadnavis is also one of the strong contenders for the post as he is belonging to the BJP, which has emerged as the single largest party in the assembly.
As Maharashtra voters gave Mahayuti a decisive mandate, controversy surrounds the choice of the next chief minister. The seniors of the Mahayuti are reportedly holding a consultation to decide who will run the state.
While deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is believed to be the favorite to take on the post, the Shiv Sena is insisting that Eknath Shinde remain the chief minister.
Earlier on Tuesday, Shinde asked his party workers not to meet or gather in support of him at Mumbai.
"Out of love for me, some congregations have appealed to everyone to gather together and come to Mumbai. I am deeply grateful for your love.
But I appeal that no one should come together in my support in such a manner. Again it is a humble request that Shiv Sena workers should not assemble at Varsha bungalow (official residence of CM) or elsewhere," the X post by Shinde had read.
He also reaffirmed the strength of the Mahayuti alliance, saying that after the decisive victory, it will stay together.
"After the great victory of Mahayuti, our government will be formed once again in the state. As a grand alliance, we contested the election together and are still together today," the post said.
"The big alliance has remained and will remain robust if the state of Maharashtra is going to be strong and prosperous," Shinde said.
Mahayuti, which is led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, has won majorly with 235 seats in the 288-member assembly. In the recently held assembly polls, the BJP had bagged 132 seats, while Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party had 57 and 41 seats respectively. Besides, the constituency comprises several fringe political parties.
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