NEW DELHI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde resigned from the position on Tuesday, November 26, as the term of the state assembly came to an end.
Following Shinde’s resignation, Governor CP Radhakrishnan asked him to remain as the caretaker Chief Minister until the new government is sworn in.
The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a landslide victory in the recent assembly elections, winning 235 seats in the 288-member assembly. The BJP emerged as the single largest party with 132 seats, followed by allies Shiv Sena with 57 seats and the NCP faction with 41. The Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi, the main Opposition alliance, managed only 46 seats.
Despite Mahayuti’s decisive win, uncertainty looms over the next chief ministerial candidate. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, a two-time CM and BJP heavyweight, is being considered for the top post. However, the Shiv Sena faction supports retaining Eknath Shinde as CM. Senior Mahayuti leaders are in discussions to finalize the leadership.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale hinted at tensions within the alliance, stating, “The Maharashtra dispute should end soon…BJP’s high command has decided that Devendra Fadnavis should be made the CM but Eknath Shinde is unhappy and his displeasure needs to be removed…”
Earlier on Tuesday, Shinde also appealed to his supporters not to gather in Mumbai to express solidarity. “I am grateful for your love, but I humbly request that no one assemble at Varsha bungalow or elsewhere,” Shinde said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
He reaffirmed the alliance’s strength and commitment to a stable government. “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 grand alliance has been and will continue to be strong for a strong and prosperous Maharashtra,” he added.
While a formal announcement on the chief ministerial post is awaited, the Mahayuti’s victory underscores its dominant position in the state, marking a significant setback for the Opposition.