Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra’s caretaker Chief Minister, canceled his scheduled appointments on Friday. Shiv Sena spokesperson Manisha Kayande confirmed this development. Shinde traveled to his native village in Satara district, adding to the ongoing suspense over the Chief Minister’s post.
On Thursday, leaders of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda in Delhi. Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar discussed the power-sharing formula for the new government. The meeting focused on the distribution of cabinet positions among the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP.
Reports indicate that the BJP will hold the Chief Minister’s post. Shiv Sena and NCP are expected to secure one Deputy Chief Minister position each. Shinde, commenting on the meeting, said, “The discussions were good and positive.” He added that the final decision on the Chief Minister’s post would be made in an upcoming meeting in Mumbai.
Read: Eknath Shinde’s First Post-Election Meeting with BJP Leaders Described as Positive
The Maharashtra Assembly election results were announced on November 23. The BJP emerged as the largest party, winning 132 seats in the 280-member Assembly. Its allies, Shiv Sena and NCP, won 57 and 41 seats, respectively.
Despite the election results, the alliance has yet to finalize its Chief Minister. The Mahayuti alliance is expected to form the government early next week. With meetings underway, a decision on the Chief Minister’s post is likely to be announced soon, keeping political watchers in Maharashtra on edge.
