Eknath Shinde visits native village as Mahayuti alliance delays CM pick

The uncertainty over the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s post continues as caretaker CM Eknath Shinde canceled his appointments on Friday and traveled to his native village in Satara district. This move comes amidst intense deliberations within the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, which has yet to finalize its power-sharing formula.

On Thursday, Shinde, along with BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis and NCP’s Ajit Pawar, attended a crucial meeting in Delhi with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President JP Nadda. The leaders discussed cabinet berths and the final decision on the CM post. While the BJP has claimed the chief ministerial position, the alliance is likely to appoint two deputy chief ministers—one each from the Shiv Sena and the NCP.

Shinde described the meeting as "good and positive" but revealed that the final decision on the CM position would only be made in a subsequent meeting. "This was the first meeting. Another meeting will take place in Mumbai, where the final decision will be made," Shinde told reporters after the discussions.

The Maharashtra Assembly election results, declared on November 23, gave the BJP a strong lead with 132 seats in the 280-member assembly. Its allies, the Shiv Sena (led by Shinde) and the NCP (led by Pawar), won 57 and 41 seats, respectively. Despite this majority, internal negotiations on power-sharing have delayed the swearing-in ceremony, which is expected early next week.

Sources suggest that Shinde’s trip to Satara is a reflection of his anticipation regarding the alliance’s final decision. Political observers see this as a test of his influence within the coalition, as the BJP holds a dominant position in terms of seat share.

As the Mahayuti alliance seeks to balance party interests and coalition dynamics, all eyes are on the forthcoming meeting in Mumbai. The final announcement will not only shape Maharashtra’s governance but also reflect the power equations within this unique three-party coalition.