Eknath Shinde Resigns As Maharashtra CM; Race For Successor Heats Up
Eknath Shinde Resigns As Maharashtra CM; Race For Successor Heats Up
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has resigned from his position, following the Mahayuti alliance’s resounding victory in the recent assembly elections. Shinde submitted his resignation to Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday morning, with the governor requesting him to serve as a caretaker CM until a new leader is sworn in.
The political spotlight now shifts to the race for the chief minister’s post, with BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and Shinde himself as the main contenders. The BJP’s strong electoral performance, securing 132 seats to become the single-largest party, has strengthened its claim to the state’s top position. However, the Shiv Sena, which won 57 seats, is advocating for Shinde to retain the role, citing coalition precedents like Bihar, where a smaller ally leads the government.
Shiv Sena leaders have expressed strong support for Shinde, emphasizing his leadership during the Mahayuti alliance’s successful election campaign. Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske urged the BJP to affirm its commitment to allies by backing Shinde for the role, countering critics who claim the BJP sidelines its partners. Party spokesperson Sheetal Mhatre added that the Maratha community and local lawmakers favor Shinde’s continuation as CM, especially with upcoming local body elections.
Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis (BJP) and Ajit Pawar (NCP) are expected to participate in discussions with Shinde to finalize the next leader.
Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde urged his supporters today to refrain from gathering at his official residence, ‘Varsha,’ in South Mumbai or any other location to demonstrate their support for his continuation as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister.
In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Shinde expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support but requested restraint. “After the resounding victory of the Mahayuti alliance, our government will be re-established in the state. We contested the elections as a united front and remain so,” Shinde said. He added, “I deeply appreciate the love and support shown by many. However, I appeal to everyone not to assemble at Varsha bungalow or elsewhere on my behalf.”
Eknath Shinde assumed the role of Chief Minister in 2022 after leading a rebellion against then-CM Uddhav Thackeray and aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party. Following a legal dispute, the Maharashtra assembly speaker ruled in favor of Shinde’s faction, which had the backing of over 40 MLAs, recognizing it as the legitimate Shiv Sena.
