Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole on Wednesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) central leadership of pressuring Eknath Shinde to relinquish his claim to the state’s chief ministerial position. Patole’s comments came in response to Shinde’s announcement that he would support any leader chosen by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the post of CM.
Patole raised concerns over the delay in announcing the next chief minister, suggesting that it indicated political maneuvering. “The BJP’s central leadership has pressured Shinde to step back from his CM claim. It is condemnable to keep Maharashtra waiting for government formation,” he said.
Eknath Shinde and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis have both been vying for the top political post in Maharashtra. While Fadnavis’s claim is backed by the BJP’s strong performance in the recent assembly elections, Shinde’s camp refers to the NDA’s arrangement in Bihar, where Nitish Kumar became chief minister despite being the smaller partner in the coalition.
Patole further hinted that the BJP might overlook Fadnavis for the CM role, noting the party’s tendency to introduce new faces for key positions. “It remains to be seen if Fadnavis will be the chosen one or if someone else will take the lead,” Patole added.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule expressed gratitude to Eknath Shinde for clarifying his position. “I want to thank Shinde for making his stance clear on the CM post. His stand is important, and I am proud of him,” Bawankule said.
The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance won the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections. However, days after the results were declared on November 23, the BJP, along with its alliance partners Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, has yet to decide on the next chief minister.
Reports indicate that while the BJP, which secured the highest number of seats, is advocating for Devendra Fadnavis as the next CM, Shiv Sena is pushing for Shinde, citing his leadership as key to the alliance’s success in overcoming anti-incumbency.
In response to speculation about his CM prospects, Shinde dismissed reports of disappointment over not securing a second term. “There is no frustration. We are working together as Mahayuti,” he stated, reaffirming the unity of the alliance.
