Mumbai: Maharashtra’s caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday addressed a press conference at his residence in Thane. The presser came amid rising suspense over the name of the next CM.

Indicating Devendra Fadnavis as the front-runer for the chief minister post, Shinde said that he has left the CM decision on the top brass of NDA and the BJP top brass. The Shiv Sena chief informed that he personally called PM Modi and Amit Shah to inform that he won’t be an obstacle and will abide by the decision taken by them. He also stated the BJP’s high command would have the last word on the decision of the chair and Shiv Sena would completely support it.

“I called PM Modi yesterday and also Amit Shah and told them to decide (on who will be the CM post), and assured them that I will abide by whatever decision they take,” Shinde told reporters.

“Our Shiv Sena will fully support the BJP’s decision to name the next Maharashtra CM. There is no speed breaker from our side,” he added.

Shinde Hints At Leaving CM Post

He also stated that he never thought himself as a Chief Minister but always saw himself as a common man, hinting at leaving his stake on the CM post. Shinde also thanked the center for supporting him and his government time and again during his two-and-a-half-year tenure. He further stated that he is happy about the developmental works carried out by his government.

Shinde addressed reports citing rift within the Mahayuti alliance and said that he is not one of those who frown over differences within allies. He then reaffirmed that he would continue to work for the welfare of the people of Maharashtra. “I will work for the betterment of the people of Maharashtra till the last drop of my blood remains in my body,” said Shinde.

Shinde also stated that the recent triumph of the Mahayuti was a landslide victory due to the combined efforts of all the allies. “The public of Maharashtra trusted us,” said Shinde.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis left for Delhi to have a meeting with the senior leaders of BJP. Fadnavis is the front runner alongside Shinde in the race for being the next CM. Several leaders from the BJP as well as RSS have declared their support for the ex-CM to return on the chair.

Eknath Shinde Resigns As Maharashtra CM

Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde resigned as Maharashtra Chief Minister on Tuesday, amid uncertainty over his successor, three days after the state assembly election results were announced. Despite calls within his party for him to retain the post, Shinde stepped down as the CM.

The Shiv Sena chief submitted his resignation to Governor CP Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan. He was accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. The Governor then requested Shinde to continue as caretaker CM until the new government is formed.

Earlier that day, Shinde and Fadnavis attended a 26/11 memorial event at the Mumbai police commissioner’s office but had minimal interaction, reflecting the political tension.

Sena Leaders Lobbying For Shinde To Return As CM

The Shiv Sena, part of the ruling Mahayuti coalition, has strongly advocated for the next CM to be from its ranks. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat on Wednesday stated that since the elections were fought under Shinde’s leadership, he should continue as CM. Shirsat also hinted that the new government’s swearing-in ceremony could take place at Wankhede Stadium by December 2.

Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske dismissed speculation about confusion over the CM’s post, stating that leadership discussions take time. He urged the BJP to consider Shiv Sena for the position, drawing parallels with similar arrangements in Bihar.

“There is no confusion. The leaders of Mahayuti will take a decision on the CM. No state announces the name of the CM in two days. It takes time. We are a small party so we have demanded that just like you (BJP) gave it (CM’S post to JDU) in Bihar, give it to us as well… It is on the leaders to decide,” Mhaske said.

Fadnavis To Be Next CM, Hints Ramdas Athawale

Meanwhile, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale claimed that BJP leadership had chosen Devendra Fadnavis to become CM for a third time, though no official confirmation came from the BJP.

The Mahayuti coalition delivered a strong performance in the recent Assembly elections, winning 230 out of 288 seats. The BJP secured 132 seats, followed by Shinde’s Shiv Sena with 57 and Ajit Pawar’s NCP with 41, solidifying their dominance in the state assembly.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday called for the implementation of President’s Rule in Maharashtra following the end of the Assembly’s term on November 26.

Speaking to the media, Raut criticised the Mahayuti alliance’s inability to form a government despite securing a huge victory in the Assembly elections. He said, “They (Mahayuti) have got a massive majority, yet they have neither decided on the Chief Minister nor formed a government. When we were hopeful to form the government, we were told that if we failed to do so by November 26, President’s Rule would be imposed.”

Mahayuti Stalemate

The Mahayuti alliance, which won over 230 seats in the 288-seat Maharashtra Assembly, has yet to declare the next chief minister of the state. According to sources, while the alliance has decided on the chief minister, discussions over portfolio allocation among the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP are delaying the announcement.

Once an agreement is reached, the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra will be officially announced, sources confirmed.

Raut Alleges EVM Manipulation, Demands Ballot Paper Voting

Raut also raised concerns over alleged Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) manipulation, claiming that it played a role in the defeat of the Maha Vikas Aghadi in the recent elections. He remarked, “We have been raising the EVM issue for the last 10 years. When Congress was in power, the BJP questioned EVMs. Listen to Modi’s old speeches—he called EVMs a fraud. If EVMs are removed, BJP won’t win even 25 seats in the entire country.”

He further urged the Election Commission to revert to ballot paper voting, stating, “Conduct the elections on ballot papers, and whatever the results, we will accept them.”

Is Government Formation Mandatory?

According to legal experts and reports, including one by News18, there is no constitutional requirement for a government to be formed before the end of the Assembly’s term. President’s Rule does not automatically come into effect if a government is not in place by the deadline.

Historical precedents show instances where governments were formed or Chief Ministers were sworn in after the term of the Assembly.

The Congress will hold its working committee meeting on November 29 following its poor performance in the recently concluded Maharashtra and Haryana elections.

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting is expected to focus on the party’s electoral defeats in Maharashtra and Haryana, along with the current political situation.

The Maha Vikas Aghadi suffered a setback in Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray, won only 20 seats, while Congress managed 16, and the NCP (SP) secured just 10.

Under the seat-sharing arrangement within the MVA, Congress contested the majority of the seats (101) and was expected to drive the alliance forward. However, the party managed to win only 16 seats.

In Haryana, the BJP formed its third consecutive government after winning 48 seats in the 90- member assembly. Congress secured 37 seats.