Maharashtra’s caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has set the stage for the next Chief Minister of the state, indicating his willingness to step aside and allow Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take the reins. Addressing a press conference at his Thane residence on Wednesday, Shinde declared that the decision lies with the BJP top brass and assured his full support for their choice.
Shinde revealed that he personally called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to convey his stance on the leadership question. “I called PM Modi yesterday and also Amit Shah and told them to decide on the CM post. I assured them that I will abide by whatever decision they take,” Shinde told reporters. He emphasized that the Shiv Sena would fully back the BJP’s decision, declaring, “There is no speed breaker from our side.”
Expressing his satisfaction with his tenure, Shinde said he never considered himself a Chief Minister but always saw himself as a common man. He thanked the central government for its consistent support and highlighted the developmental work accomplished during his two-and-a-half-year leadership.
Addressing speculation about rifts within the Mahayuti alliance, Shinde dismissed concerns, stating that differences among allies were natural but not insurmountable. He reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Maharashtra, saying, “I will work for the betterment of the people of Maharashtra till the last drop of my blood remains in my body.”
Shinde also credited the Mahayuti alliance’s recent landslide victory to the combined efforts of all allies, emphasizing the trust placed in them by the people of Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has reportedly left for Delhi to meet senior BJP leaders, further fueling speculation about his return to the Chief Minister’s post. Several BJP and RSS leaders have openly supported Fadnavis, making him the leading contender for the role.