Eknath Shinde
The suspense over the formation of the new government in Maharashtra continues to grow. A large and important meeting scheduled for Friday was postponed as Chief Minister Eknath Shinde left for his hometown Dare. In this regard, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat on Friday gave a big hint about Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s upcoming decision. He said that whenever the chief minister needs to consider any major decision, he returns to his hometown. He has until tomorrow night to make a big decision.
As a result of this delay, a new government has not yet been formed a week after the results of the parliamentary elections were announced. Shiv Sena sources said the meeting is now likely to be held in Mumbai on Sunday. Meanwhile, BJP leaders said they are awaiting the arrival of central observers for the legislative session.
Discussions with Shah in Delhi
Eknath Shinde met Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Thursday evening to discuss formation of the new government. Shinde described it as positive and said he hoped the next round of discussions would take place in Mumbai on Friday. However, no meeting with Mahayuthy is scheduled for Friday, according to BJP sources. Leaders of the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) met Shah and JP in Delhi. Met Nada and discussed power distribution.
Shinde’s appointment as deputy chief minister is in doubt
There are divisions within the Shiv Sena over Shinde’s role in the new government. Some leaders suggested Shinde accept the deputy chief minister’s post, while others felt that the role would not be suitable for him after two and a half years as chief minister. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat said that if Shinde is not made deputy chief minister, the post will be filled by other leaders of the party.
Opinions of senior Shiv Sena leaders
Senior Shiv Sena leader Shambhuraj Desai said party workers expected Shinde to play an important role in the new government. Meanwhile, Samant said Shinde was not angry and had left due to health reasons. He also clarified that if meetings are not possible, discussions can be held through video conferencing.
Swearing-in likely to take place next week
In the 288-member assembly elections in Maharashtra, the BJP won 132 seats, the Shiv Sena won 57 seats and the NCP (Ajit Pawar’s faction) won 41 seats. The new government is likely to be sworn in next week. However, this process has been delayed due to power sharing and ongoing disputes over Sindh’s role. A major decision in this direction could be taken at the proposed Mahayutthi meeting on Sunday.
