'Eknath Hai Toh Safe Hai': Shinde Sena Drives Hard Bargain On CM Post, Keeps Plan B Ready

Last Updated:November 27, 2024, 10:10 IST

Eknath Shinde has reportedly demanded the Home Ministry portfolio if not chosen as Maharashtra's chief minister after the BJP-led Mahayuti's landslide victory in the Assembly elections.

Eknath Shinde (Photo: PTI)

As the suspense over the next chief minister of Maharashtra continues, sources have told CNN-News18 that Eknath Shinde has demanded the Home Ministry department of the state, if he is not made the chief minister.

The demand was reportedly put forth during a meeting of the Shinde camp leaders with Devendra Fadnavis late last night.

Despite the Mahayuti coalition’s electoral victory, the alliance, which comprises the BJP, Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s ist Congress Party (NCP), is grappling with disagreements regarding the next chief minister.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti won a landslide victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections winning 235 seats in the 288-member House.

The BJP won 132 seats, followed by Shinde-led Shiv Sena (57) and Ajit Pawar-led NCP (41).

Smaller parties, who are part of the alliance, won five seats.

EK’NATH’ HAIN TO SAFE HAIN?

In an X post, Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande wrote “Ek’Nath’ hain to safe hain". 

The post drew reference from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan ‘ek hain toh safe hain’ (united we remain safe).

Following the poll victory in Maharashtra, the Prime Minister described it as one for “unity".

The slogan was coined by Prime Minister Modi just before the advent of the Maharashtra Assembly campaign.

EKNATH SHINDE HAS RESIGNED AS MAHARASHTRA CHIEF MINISTER

Eknath Shinde resigned as Maharashtra Chief Minister on Tuesday, paving the way for the appointment of a new government amid haggling by his Shiv Sena faction for continuity and the BJP pressing for its candidate for the top post.

The uncertainty surrounding the selection of Shinde’s successor remains, as coalition leaders have yet to reach a consensus on the candidate.

Accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Shinde met Governor CP Radhakrishnan earlier in the day to officially submit his resignation.

Following this, the Governor requested Shinde to continue in a caretaker role until the new chief minister is sworn in.

The outgoing assembly’s term concluded on Tuesday, adding urgency to the transition process.

News politics 'Eknath Hai Toh Safe Hai': Shinde Sena Drives Hard Bargain On CM Post, Keeps Plan B Ready