Shiv Sena Leaders Persuade Eknath Shinde for Deputy CM Role in Maharashtra Government

Shiv Sena MLAs actively encourage Eknath Shinde to become the deputy chief minister as Devendra Fadnavis prepares to take charge, with NCP's Ajit Pawar also set to join the cabinet.

P24 News Media

December 04, 2024

1 minute

Shiv Sena Leaders Persuade Eknath Shinde for Deputy CM Role in Maharashtra Government

India

The newly-elected leaders of the Shiv Sena convened on Wednesday to engage with party president Eknath Shinde, urging him to assume the position of deputy chief minister within the upcoming Maharashtra government. A critical moment is approaching as BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis is set to take the chief minister’s oath on December 5, alongside NCP's Ajit Pawar, who will also step into the role of deputy CM.

Shinde, who has been functioning as the caretaker chief minister, has been the focus of discussions among Sena legislators, who have been attempting to persuade him to join the new administration over the past several days. Continuous meetings took place throughout the day at 'Varsha', the chief minister's official residence, where MLAs expressed their desire for Shinde’s involvement in the government.

According to party MLA Bharat Gogavale, there is a strong sentiment within the party that Shinde should take on the deputy CM role for the betterment of both the Shiv Sena and the government as a whole. “We’re hopeful he will agree to our requests,” Gogavale stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Shiv Sena has achieved significant electoral success, winning 57 out of 288 seats in the state assembly. Despite this, Shinde has shown reluctance to accept the deputy CM position, having held the chief minister role for approximately two and a half years previously.

Uday Samant, another prominent Shiv Sena leader, articulated the collective desire of the party members, stating that “Our firm stance is clear; more than Eknath Shinde's personal inclination, we have about 60-61 MLAs, including independents, advocating for his leadership in the administration. There are no uncertainties; Shinde should take up the deputy CM role as per the wishes of Shiv Sainiks, MLAs, and MPs.”

Despite his initial hesitance, sources indicate that Shinde is likely to accept the role of deputy CM following the persistent encouragement from party members. Furthermore, Fadnavis’s insistence on Shinde joining the government speaks volumes about the internal dynamics and expectations within the coalition.

As preparations culminate for the inauguration ceremony at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the political landscape is abuzz with speculation about Shinde's final decision. Recently, he had returned to Mumbai after a brief period in his native Satara, during which there were concerns of internal rifts within the Mahayuti alliance.

However, upon swiftly returning, Shinde was present for the formal claim to form the government, signifying his engagement with the ongoing political maneuvers. Fadnavis, while interacting with the press, reinforced the notion that Shinde’s role in the administration is desired by both Shiv Sena and Mahayuti members. “I am confident that he will stand alongside us in this government," Fadnavis asserted.

With Fadnavis preparing to steer Maharashtra’s governance forward, the dynamic between the Shiv Sena's leadership and its collaborative strategy continues to unfold, setting the stage for potential political developments in the coming days.