Eknath Shinde's 'Positive' Meet with Amit Shah and JP Nadda Fuels Speculations on Maharashtra CM Decision
In a recent meeting that has sparked speculation, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described his discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda as "good and positive". The meeting, which took place in Delhi, was on the formation of the government after the Maharashtra Assembly elections, where the Mahayuti alliance led by the BJP had come with a decisive majority. Eknath Shinde, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, met Shah and Nadda late on Thursday to finalize the power-sharing arrangement.
The meeting has become a significant one in that it will determine which one will be the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. A decision would be made in a few days, Shinde said after another round of talks was held in Mumbai. He assured the people that he would not obstruct the government formation and would respect the decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.
With a clear mandate from the people of Maharashtra, the Mahayuti coalition, comprising Shinde's Shiv Sena, the BJP, and Ajit Pawar's NCP, is striving for an integrated power-sharing model. Eknath Shinde asserted that the topmost priority for the coalition was to respect the people's decision rather than seeking personal positions. "This 'ladka bhau' tag is higher than everything else for me," said Shinde, showing allegiance to the party and the coalition's larger objective.
The BJP emerged victorious in the 2024 Maharashtra elections and secured 132 seats, that is the highest among Mahayuti members. Shiv Sena won 57 seats, and NCP bagged 41 seats. In contrast, Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) lost, securing only 16 seats.
The power-sharing talks between Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar indicate that the Mahayuti alliance is set to play a pivotal role in Maharashtra's political future. The final decision on the next Chief Minister is expected soon as the coalition continues to build upon its mandate.
Also read: Worm-Infested Meals and Apathy: Crisis of Food Poisoning Befalls Students at Maganoor ZPHS