Maharashtra CM suspense set to conclude today? BJP, steadfast on Devendra Fadnavis's name, rejects Bihar model
In the midst of rigorous discussions within the Mahayuti coalition regarding who will assume the chief position in Maharashtra – Devendra Fadnavis or Eknath Shinde – the Bharatiya Janata Party signaled that there is no intention of mirroring the Bihar approach for the CM position in the state.
On Tuesday, Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde stepped down in light of a constitutional requirement, yet the uncertainty surrounding the CM's role persisted.
BJP national spokesperson Prem Shukla stated to HT, “To begin with, the declaration to appoint Nitish Kumar as CM was made prior to the elections. In Maharashtra, no such obligation was established with the Shiv Sena. Furthermore, we allied with Janata Dal (United) in Bihar with the aim of helping the BJP penetrate that state, which did not materialize. Therefore, there is no chance of mirroring that situation in Maharashtra.”
Prem Shukla also told The Indian Express that the model relevant to Bihar does not apply to Maharashtra. “In Maharashtra, there exists no basis for such a commitment due to our robust organizational presence and leadership. Most importantly, the party has never guaranteed the continuation of Eknath Shinde as CM post-elections. Conversely, the top leadership consistently asserted during the elections that the conclusion regarding the CM would hinge on the electoral results.”
Former union minister and BJP’s election coordinator Raosaheb Danve countered assertions from some Sena leaders that Shinde had been assured the top position before the elections. “The procedure for selecting the CM has commenced. Two parties have already designated their legislative leaders, and the BJP will select one in the near future,” he mentioned.
Several BJP officials remarked that the push from Shiv Sena leaders for Shinde to obtain the top position has not been well-received by the central leadership. This was communicated to the party, resulting in the cancellation of a show of strength organized by Sena leaders at Varsha on Tuesday morning. “The BJP has informed Shinde that the party will hold onto the CM’s position,” stated a senior Sena leader.
