Mumbai: Shiv Sena leader and caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday granted full authority to the BJP’s central leadership to choose the next CM. At a press conference in Thane, Shinde made it clear that he would accept whatever decision the BJP leadership, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, takes.
Shinde’s statement effectively put an end to discussions and speculation about who would assume the chief minister’s role. For days, Shiv Sena MPs, MLAs and party members had been voicing their support for Shinde to continue in the top job, with social media slogans like ‘Eknath Hai To Safe Hai’ gaining traction. Party workers were also seen holding prayers in temples, hoping for Shinde’s reappointment as chief minister.
On Wednesday, Shinde, who had been out of the public eye for two days, addressed the media along with party leaders such as MP Naresh Mhaske, MLA Pratap Sarnaik, Dada Bhuse and Sanjay Shirsat.
Statement Of Caretaker CM Eknath Shinde
“I want to clarify that I never created any obstacles regarding the chief minister’s post,” he said. “I spoke with PM Modi and Amit Shah, and assured them that there would be no hindrance from my side in the decision-making process. You entrusted me with the role of chief minister for two-and-ahalf years, now it is up to the central leadership to take the final decision. We, as a part of the NDA and Mahayuti alliance, will accept whatever decision is taken,” he said.
Shinde also took the opportunity to reflect on his tenure, stating that his success was not about personal gains, but about delivering for the people of Maharashtra.
“I am content with what I have achieved, but more importantly, I am proud of what the people of Maharashtra received under the Mahayuti government. We fought hard, and that’s why we succeeded in the election. The dream of [Shiv Sena founder] Balasaheb Thackeray to see a Shiv Sainik as CM was fulfilled by Modi and Shah,” he said.
A crucial meeting is scheduled for Thursday between BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, NCP leader Ajit Pawar, and Shah in Delhi. Decisions regarding the final leadership structure in Maharashtra and the Cabinet are expected to be taken at the meeting.
