Maharashtra New CM Face: Eknath Shinde Meets Sharad Pawar Faction Leader Jitendra Awhad, Political Temperature in State Soars

Maharashtra New CM Face: Political tension in Maharashtra has reached new heights as acting Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met Jitendra Awhad, a key leader from Sharad Pawar's faction, just before his departure to Satara. With no decision yet on the new CM's face, Shinde’s meeting with Awhad has added fuel to the ongoing political speculation. Shinde is set to stay in Satara for two days, meaning the expected Maha Yuti meeting on November 29-30 is likely postponed.

By Rahul Kumar Shukla Nov 29, 2024, 15:51 IST

Maharashtra New CM Face: Maharashtra has seen political tensions heighten since the election results as no decision has yet been made regarding the post of chief minister from the ruling Maha Yuti (grand alliance). Meanwhile, a big political development emerged when the prominent leader from Sharad Pawar's faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Jitendra Awhad, met with Maharashtra's acting Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at his official residence, Varsha Bungalow, on his way to leaving for his village in Satara.

Shinde is scheduled to spend two days in his home district of Satara, so the much anticipated meeting of Maha Yuti on November 29-30 is unlikely to go through. However, it has been indicated that this will now happen on Sunday as well, with BJP observers going to be present in Mumbai.

In the wake of Shinde's exit, Shiv Sena MLA Uday Samant said there was no friction within the alliance and added that Shinde's visit to Satara was for health reasons and an honourable decision. According to Samant, it was important that Shinde continues in the government because he launched the "Ladki Behna Yojana" (women welfare scheme). The talks between Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar are expected to concentrate on the composition of the state cabinet. Shinde's participation in the government is said to be one of the main discussion points.