Maharashtra’s caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde returned to Mumbai on Sunday from his native village in Satara, where he had been recuperating after a brief illness. Addressing the media, Shinde confirmed that the Mahayuti alliance’s Chief Ministerial candidate would be decided on December 2. He reiterated his unwavering support for the decision made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP President JP Nadda.
Shinde, who was given a guard of honour by the Satara police, said he had come to rest following a demanding election schedule. He assured the media that he was in good health. Shinde had traveled to Satara on Friday to take a break after the intense election campaign. Despite speculation, Shinde emphasized unity within the Mahayuti alliance and said the work done by the government in the past two and a half years would be remembered by the people, who gave the alliance a historic mandate.
Shinde’s statement comes amid ongoing discussions within the BJP, with Devendra Fadnavis considered the likely frontrunner for the Chief Minister’s post. A meeting on Thursday between Shinde, Fadnavis, NCP’s Ajit Pawar, and other Mahayuti leaders with Amit Shah and JP Nadda in Delhi aimed to resolve the deadlock over the CM position.
The BJP emerged as the largest party in the November 23 Maharashtra Assembly elections, securing 132 out of 280 seats. The Shiv Sena, led by Shinde, and NCP, led by Ajit Pawar, won 57 and 41 seats, respectively.
