Shiv Sena Leader Hints ‘Big Decision’ Tomorrow After Eknath Shinde Meets NCP-SP MLA — Updates

Maharashtra CM Race: The Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, is yet to finalise its government formation even a week after the assembly election results were declared. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat revealed that discussions on the Chief Minister’s post are underway, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah expected to make the final decision.  

Shirsat told news agency ANI, “The name of the Maharashtra CM should be declared by today midnight. I have information that the oath-taking ceremony will be on 2nd December. Eknath Shinde will not go to Delhi. He is more interested in Maharashtra politics than Delhi politics.”

He further hinted at a ‘big decision’ from Caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde tomorrow saying, “Whenever Eknath Shinde thinks that he needs some time to think he goes to his native village…When he (Eknath Shinde) has to make a big decision he goes to his native village. By tomorrow evening he (Eknath Shinde) will take a very big decision…”

This remark comes as Shinde held a meeting with Jitendra Awhad, an MLA from Mumbra and a prominent leader of the NCP’s Sharad Pawar faction, before heading to Satara on Friday.  

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Maharashtra CM Race: Eknath Shinde Is Not Upset, Shiv Sena Says

Eknath Shinde, who returned to Mumbai on Friday after meeting Amit Shah in Delhi, reportedly left for his native village Dare in Satara district due to health concerns. Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant dismissed speculation about Shinde being upset, stating, “He [Shinde] is not upset. Even in Delhi, he was down with fever and cold. It will be wrong to say he has gone to Dare because he is upset.”  

Samant also emphasised that Shinde remains committed to government formation and would accept the BJP’s decision on the leadership. “Shinde himself stressed two days ago that there will be no obstacle from his side in the government formation,” he added, as quoted by news agency PTI.

Maharashtra CM Race: Eknath Shinde’s Demands From BJP Top Brass

According to sources from the Eknath Shinde faction, the caretaker Chief Minister has presented his demands during the meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. These include the Legislative Council chairperson’s post for the Shiv Sena and 12 ministerial berths, including key portfolios such as Home and Urban Development. Shinde also emphasised the importance of maintaining Shiv Sena’s dignity when appointing Guardian Ministers.

Reiterating his commitment to the alliance, Shinde expressed trust in Shah, stating that the Shiv Sena stands firmly with the Mahayuti. However, Shah refrained from making any commitments regarding Shinde’s demands. Sources suggest that further discussions will take place in Maharashtra before the matter is escalated to Delhi again if necessary.

Sources indicate that Shinde has already accepted BJP’s leadership for the Chief Minister’s post, with Devendra Fadnavis emerging as the frontrunner. Shinde is reportedly aware of the significance of the Home portfolio for Fadnavis, which has influenced his strategic moves since stepping out of the CM race.

The BJP is carefully considering Shinde’s demands to ensure the Shiv Sena faction remains satisfied, thereby avoiding any strain on the alliance. If the Home portfolio is not allocated to Shiv Sena, BJP may compensate with Urban Development and other key ministries. However, there is speculation that the BJP might accede to Shinde’s request for the Home Ministry to address any potential discontent, as such a move could impact not just the Maharashtra government but also other smaller allies in the NDA at the Centre.

Maharashtra CM Race: Mahayuti Deliberations  

The Mahayuti alliance, which secured a resounding victory in the 288-member assembly elections with the BJP winning 132 seats, the Shiv Sena 57, and the NCP 41, has yet to finalise a power-sharing formula. A key meeting scheduled for Friday was postponed and is now expected to take place on Sunday in Mumbai.  

State BJP leaders are awaiting the arrival of central observers to oversee the legislature party meeting, where the BJP’s legislative wing leader will be chosen. Informal discussions between state leaders are ongoing, and BJP MLAs have yet to receive official communication about the meeting.  

Shinde, Fadnavis, and NCP leader Ajit Pawar have already held discussions with BJP president J.P. Nadda and Amit Shah on power-sharing arrangements. Shirsat indicated that if Shinde declined the deputy CM post, it would be offered to another Shiv Sena leader. “If Shinde does not accept the deputy CM’s post, then some other leader from our party will get it. He will take a call on this by evening,” Shirsat stated, as per PTI.  

Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar remarked on the possible return of Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister, saying, “If Fadnavis returns as CM, he will erase the tag of doing politics of revenge. I hope he works for Vidarbha as he is a son of the soil.”  

Shiv Sena insiders and party workers have expressed a strong desire for Shinde to play a significant role in the new government, with many opposing the idea of him accepting a deputy CM role after his tenure as Chief Minister, according to PTI.  

The BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP continue to iron out the final details of the power-sharing arrangement as the political stalemate in Maharashtra unfolds.

With Inputs By Ganesh Thakur