Rama Krishna Sangem
Eknath Shinde is sulking over being denied the CM post? Or is he miffed over the candidature of Devendra Fadnavis as the BJP’s CM choice? All indications point to Yes as answer to these questions. But, Shinde camp denies any such thing. BJP is unable to explain for the inordinate delay in putting in place a new government in Maharashtra even a week after the assembly results were out. The fate of Fadnavis hangs in balance as there is no definite confirmation on CM post to him.
Shiv Sena has quashed rumours suggesting that its leader and caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is frustrated over the delay in finalising the name for Maharashtra chief minister’s post, stating that his trip to his hometown, Satara, was due to health concerns, not political upset.
The party further emphasised that discussions regarding portfolio allocation and cabinet formation would continue as scheduled, with the next meeting set for Saturday, reported India Today.
The latest round of speculation emerged after Shinde’s sudden visit to Satara following his meeting with BJP leadership, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in Delhi on Thursday. The delay in government formation has heightened tensions within the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP alliance, which secured a landslide victory in the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections, winning 233 out of 288 seats. Despite the commanding victory, the alliance has yet to decide on a final candidate for the chief minister’s post.
Shiv Sena denies any rift, cites health concerns
In response to the speculation, Shiv Sena’s outgoing state minister Uday Samant categorically denied reports suggesting that Shinde was upset about the ongoing stalemate. “He isn’t upset. He is unwell. It’s not fair to say he went there because he was upset,” Samant stated, adding that Shinde had expressed no intention of stepping back from his commitment to the state’s development.
“He said he wouldn’t cry but would fight for the welfare and development of the state. These predictions are wrong,” Samant added.
Shiv Sena further clarified that while Shinde’s health might have delayed the scheduled meeting of the Mahayuti alliance, the meeting would likely take place on Saturday, either in person or through digital platforms. Samant noted, “Tomorrow [Saturday], he will return, and it’s not as if meetings can only happen physically. It can also take place through video conferencing or mobile communication. As Eknath Shinde has said, the Maharashtra cabinet will be finalised soon.”
Despite the clear electoral mandate, the alliance is facing delays in settling key issues, including the allocation of portfolios and the chief minister’s post
