The political stalemate in Maharashtra over the next chief minister continues as key players make moves amid growing suspense. Caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde canceled a crucial Mahayuti meeting on Monday, citing health issues, while NCP leader Ajit Pawar traveled to Delhi for discussions with the BJP leadership about government formation.
Shinde’s Health Delays Meeting
Eknath Shinde, who has been suffering from a throat infection and fever, did not return to his official residence in Mumbai and is currently recuperating in his native village in Satara. The Mahayuti meeting, intended to finalize portfolio allocations, was postponed. Shinde’s absence has fueled speculation about his discontent with the current power-sharing negotiations.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, Eknath Shinde’s son, dismissed rumors that he is in contention for the deputy chief minister’s position. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Shrikant clarified, “The news that I will be the deputy chief minister is completely baseless. I have no desire for any ministerial position and remain committed to strengthening the party organization.”
Ajit Pawar’s Delhi Visit Raises Eyebrows
Adding to the intrigue, Ajit Pawar flew to Delhi for high-level talks with BJP leaders, presumably to resolve ongoing disagreements within the Mahayuti coalition. The alliance clinched a landslide victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, with the BJP securing 132 seats, the Shiv Sena 57, and the NCP 41. However, key decisions, including the chief ministerial post and cabinet portfolios, remain unresolved.
Speculations Over CM Post Intensify
Reports indicate that BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis has been finalized as the next chief minister, with an oath-taking ceremony scheduled for December 5 at Azad Maidan, Mumbai. The event is set to take place in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, Eknath Shinde’s reported dissatisfaction and absence from key discussions have added uncertainty to the political landscape.
Shrikant Shinde Denies Power Aspirations
Shrikant Shinde reiterated his focus on grassroots work and his Lok Sabha constituency. “Despite an opportunity to become a minister in the central government after the Lok Sabha elections, I turned it down. I want to work for the party organization and my constituency,” he said.
The younger Shinde urged the media to refrain from speculation and emphasized his disinterest in ministerial roles, adding, “I hope that the discussions about me will at least stop now.”
Consensus Still Elusive
Eknath Shinde, addressing the rumors, emphasized that government formation will be decided collectively. “The Mahayuti allies will sit together and come to a consensus on the structure of the new government,” he stated.
The Mahayuti coalition’s resounding victory in the recent elections provided a mandate for stable governance. However, the ongoing delay in government formation has sparked widespread debate and anticipation across Maharashtra.