New Delhi: After the tenure of Maharashtra Assembly ended on Tuesday, Eknath Shinde submitted his resignation from the post of Chief Minister to Governor CP Radhakrishnan. However, the Governor asked Shinde to remain the acting CM till the swearing-in of the new government.
NCP chief Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis also reached the Governor’s office to submit their resignations.
The Mahayuti alliance is yet to decide on its chief ministerial candidate after its massive victory in the state. Two-time chief minister and current deputy CM, Devendra Fadnavis, is also being seen as a choice for the post as he is part of the BJP, which is the largest party in the assembly.
Although Maharashtra voters have given a decisive victory to Mahayuti, there is uncertainty over the next Chief Minister. Senior leaders of Mahayuti are currently discussing to decide the leadership of the state. Although Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is the frontrunner for the post, Shiv Sena supports keeping Eknath Shinde as the Chief Minister.
Earlier on Tuesday, Shinde had asked his party workers not to gather in Mumbai to show support for him.
“Out of love for me, some circles have appealed to everyone to gather together and come to Mumbai. I am very grateful for your love. But I appeal that no one should come together in support of me in this manner. Come. It’s like this again.” It is my humble request that Shiv Sena workers should not gather at Varsha Bungalow (CM’s official residence) or anywhere else,” Shinde said in the ex-post.
He also reiterated the strength of the Mahayuti alliance and said that the alliance will remain united even after a decisive victory.
The post said, “After the big victory of Mahayuti, our government will be formed once again in the state. We fought the elections together as a grand alliance and are still together today.
Shinde said, “The Grand Alliance has been strong and will remain strong for a strong and prosperous Maharashtra.”
The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance scored a major victory by winning 235 seats in the 288-member assembly. In the recent assembly elections, the BJP secured 132 seats, while its allies Shiv Sena and NCP won 57 and 41 seats respectively. The coalition also includes various smaller political groups.