Eknath Shinde resigns as Maharashtra CM, submits resignation to Governor

Eknath Shinde, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, has officially resigned following the Mahayuti alliance's victory in the state’s recent assembly elections. His resignation, announced on Tuesday, comes amidst a period of uncertainty regarding the leadership of the state. The Mahayuti, a political coalition consisting of the Shiv Sena, BJP, and other smaller parties, secured a significant victory in the elections, leading to intense speculation over who will take over as the next chief minister.

In the 288-seat Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, the BJP emerged as the single-largest party, winning 132 of the 148 seats it contested. This gives the BJP a clear advantage in the race for the chief minister’s post. Despite Shinde’s resignation, his faction of the Shiv Sena, which had aligned with the BJP after a split from the NCP-INC coalition, remains a key player in the alliance’s leadership. Shinde’s resignation opens the door for a leadership transition within the alliance, with both Shinde and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis being considered as potential candidates for the CM position.

The Shiv Sena, which traditionally had a close alliance with the NCP and INC, faced internal divisions earlier, leading to Shinde breaking away to form a separate faction. This decision led to a realignment of the state's political forces, with Shinde’s faction forging an alliance with the BJP. His faction’s role in securing the Mahayuti's victory, especially with his ability to garner support among Shiv Sena legislators, has made him an important figure in Maharashtra’s political scene.

On the other hand, Fadnavis, who has previously served as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra in two terms, is also positioning himself as a candidate for the role. The BJP’s overwhelming success in the elections has strengthened Fadnavis’s claim, especially given his previous tenure and his significant role in the state’s political framework. Fadnavis had been the BJP’s face in Maharashtra for years and had led the party to victory in multiple elections.

Both Shinde and Fadnavis are holding discussions with party leaders to finalize the new chief minister. Although Shinde’s resignation has created some uncertainty, sources suggest that the leadership transition is expected to be smooth, with both parties working together to avoid any friction within the alliance. The final decision on the next chief minister is expected to be made soon, as political leaders from both the Shiv Sena and BJP continue to negotiate the terms of the new leadership structure.