'Will abide by PM Modi's decision': Eknath Shinde falls in line, decks clear for BJP CM in Maharashtra (WATCH)
By Sunita Iyer | First Published Nov 27, 2024, 4:25 PM ISTEknath Shinde on Wednesday expressed unwavering confidence in the BJP leadership, stating that he will accept any decision made by PM Modi and Amit Shah regarding the chief ministerial post of Maharashtra.
Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde on Wednesday expressed unwavering confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership, stating that he will accept any decision made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the chief ministerial post. Shinde, who addressed the media in Thane, said his priority remains the welfare of the state and not holding on to power.
"I have told the Prime Minister that if there is any problem in forming the government in Maharashtra because of me, then do not bring any doubt in your mind and whatever decision you take, that decision is acceptable to me. You 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," Shinde said.
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Shinde’s statement comes amidst ongoing deliberations within the Mahayuti coalition over who will take the top post, with BJP's Devendra Fadnavis emerging as the likely candidate. The Mahayuti coalition delivered a strong performance in the recent elections, winning 230 out of 288 seats. The BJP emerged as the dominant partner with 132 seats, positioning Devendra Fadnavis as the leading contender for the Chief Minister's post. Meanwhile, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction secured 57 seats, and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) contributed 41 seats to the alliance's total.
Shinde dismissed reports claiming he was disappointed for not receiving a second term as CM, despite the ruling Mahayuti alliance's overwhelming victory under his leadership. "Nobody is annoyed. We have worked as Mahayuti," he said.
When asked if he was disappointed about not receiving a second term, Shinde replied, “There is no such thing. You must remember that BJP supported my tenure as CM.”
Regarding the new cabinet, Shinde stated, “There is a meeting in Delhi tomorrow with Amit Bhai (Shah), and all related decisions will be taken there,” when questioned about the selection of deputy chief ministers.
CM is not Chief Minister, it is Common Man: Shinde
During his address, Shinde also highlighted his achievements during his tenure as chief minister. "I thank the people and voters of Maharashtra once again for this landslide victory in the recent assembly elections. I am a worker forever; for me, CM is not Chief Minister but Common Man. We worked to take Maharashtra to Number 1 spot from Number 3 in six months of my becoming CM," he said.
“I am not disappointed. We fight and don’t cry,” Shinde said, referring to media reports that he was unhappy over being asked to step down despite leading the Mahayuti to a massive poll victory.
“I worked as the CM not to become popular but for the welfare of people of Maharashtra,” Shinde added.
As the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP continue their negotiations, an official announcement is expected soon. The decision is likely to hinge on balancing the electoral mandate, coalition dynamics, and the need for stability in Maharashtra’s governance.
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