Maharasthra Assembly elections: Caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s press conference in Satara on government formation

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde addresses a press conference in Satara on December 1, 2024. | Photo credit: PTI

Caretaker Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde on Sunday (December 1, 2024) reaffirmed his support for the BJP’s decision on the CM’s post.

Speaking at his native Dare village in Satara district, the Shiv Sena chief once again said he supports the choice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister, Amit Shah. “I have already made my position clear. The decision taken by the BJP leadership will be acceptable to me and the Shiv Sena,” Mr. Shinde said.

Mr. Shinde, who is recovering from a brief illness, dismissed rumors of discontent over the government formation. “Why should there be confusion? I always come to my village. Our responsibility has increased due to the massive mandate given by the people,” he added.

Mr. Shinde also said that he came to his village regularly and wondered why there would be some confusion (over his visit) when he had confirmed his position as CM last week.

BJP leader Raosaheb Danve said in a separate statement that the name of the new CM has been finalized, only awaiting confirmation from the party top brass. “Even people know who the next CM will be,” Mr. Danve hinted, fueling speculation that Devendra Fadnavis, the former CM and Mr. Shinde’s deputy in the outgoing government, would be the frontrunner.

Amid the uncertainty, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the Mahayuti alliance, calling the delay in government formation an “insult” to Maharashtra.

The Shiv Sena leader, who visited his native village on Friday (November 29, 2024) amid rumors that he was unhappy with the way the new government was being formed, has fallen ill and will return to Mumbai on Sunday evening , said an aide. said earlier today.

The Mahayuti alliance comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP retained power with a landslide victory in the parliamentary elections, the results of which were announced on November 23.

The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for December 5 at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite no official announcement from the CM, state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule confirmed the date, further intensifying the guessing game around the leadership.