BJP Proposes Eknath Shinde as Maharashtra’s Deputy CM to Showcase Unity

Mahayuti leaders Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar met Union Home Minister Amit Shah late Thursday to discuss Maharashtra government formation. The BJP plans to rehabilitate Fadnavis, aiming to correct the perceived injustice done to him when he was sidelined for the party’s interests.

But it is equally desirous of Shinde joining the team as deputy CM in order to project the message of unity.

Although the S hiv Sena leader had said he would abide by the choice of PM Narendra Modi and Shah, BJP wants him to feel valued. “Besides, having him on its side will also help the party minimise its reliance on Ajit dada,” a source reasoned.

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While many argued that after serving as CM, becoming deputy CM may not be acceptable to Shinde, sources said this was not an issue in Maharashtra politics, and cited the example of Fadnavis as well as several others, including veterans. They also dismissed suggestions that having two Marathas as deputies may not go down well with voters, pointing out that the outgoing team also had two Marathas — Shinde and Ajit Pawar.

“I cleared my stand in the press conference yesterday that there are no obstacles regarding CM of Mahayuti. This ‘ladla bhai’ has arrived in Delhi and the ‘ladla bhai’ is a designation higher than anything else for me. A meeting will be held on everything,” Shinde said, reiterating his position amid some of his party colleagues still staking a claim for the top post for their boss.

BJP Eyes CM Post for Fadnavis; Shinde May Decline Deputy CM Role, Says Shiv Sena MLA

There is growing consensus within the BJP to appoint a Chief Minister from their party, as it secured 132 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly and garnered support from five additional MLAs, bringing it just eight seats short of a majority. Ajit Pawar’s support for Fadnavis has limited Shinde’s options, with sources stating that seat allocation had already been agreed upon prior to the elections. Amidst power-sharing speculation, Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat suggested that Eknath Shinde may not accept the Deputy CM position, although the offer remains on the table. Shirsat believes Shinde might prefer another portfolio while staying involved in state politics.

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