Eknath Shinde's Role as Deputy CM in Limbo Ahead of Maharashtra Government Swearing-In

Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant on Thursday announced that none of the party's elected MLAs would accept a ministerial position unless caretaker Chief Minister and party chief Eknath Shinde is sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister in the new Maharashtra government. While Devendra Fadnavis is set to take the oath as Chief Minister and Ajit Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister, it remains uncertain whether Eknath Shinde will also be sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister, with just hours left before the much-anticipated swearing-in ceremony.

At a press conference, Uday Samant stated that on Wednesday, several Shiv Sena ministers had approached Eknath Shinde to persuade him to take up the position of Deputy Chief Minister. "We went to Eknath Shinde and told him that unless he agrees to take the position of Deputy Chief Minister, we will not accept any ministerial posts,” said Samant.

Uday Samant’s remarks come after Eknath Shinde's brief absence from political activities. Shinde had traveled to his native village in Satara district last Friday amid rumors that he was dissatisfied with the formation of the new government. During his stay, he fell ill with a high fever and had to be hospitalized for a routine checkup. Shinde himself clarified that the visit was simply for rest following the intense election campaign. In a press conference, Shinde had stated that he and his party would follow whatever decision Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes, and he would not stand in the way of forming a new government in Maharashtra.

However, after the Mahayuti heads met with the governor Wednesday, Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister-elect, confirmed he would take the oath as Chief Minister. Fadnavis stated that he, along with Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, would drive Maharashtra to unprecedented success. He also urged Shinde to take the oath alongside him as Deputy Chief Minister. With just hours remaining before the highly anticipated ceremony, it remains unclear whether Shinde will be sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

The delayed swearing-in of Maharashtra’s new government, led by Devendra Fadnavis, follows nearly two weeks of intense negotiations after the state’s assembly election results. The elections were held on November 20, with results declared on November 23. The Mahayuti Alliance secured a total of 230 seats in the 288-member assembly, with the BJP winning 132 seats, Shiv Sena 57 seats, and the NCP 41 seats.​