"Whatever PM Decides”: Eknath Shinde Vows to Support ‘Mahayuti,’ but Puts Ball in BJP’s Court as Maharashtra Awaits New CM

72 hours after Maharashtra’s historic election results, the state remains without a Chief Minister, as speculation intensifies over the next leader of the BJP-led ‘Mahayuti’ alliance. Caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde held a press conference on Wednesday, confirming his support for the decision to be made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), but notably placing the ball in the BJP’s court as the alliance continues to deliberate over its leadership.

"I have been a worker all my life, working for the people. The election results are historic, and I have received tremendous support from Prime Minister Modi and the people of Maharashtra," Shinde said, underscoring his commitment to the BJP’s decision-making process. "Whatever the Prime Minister decides, we will support it. I have told PM Modi that I will not be an obstacle to any plans for the Mahayuti or Maharashtra."

Shinde’s comments come amidst growing speculation that the BJP might opt for former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as the new leader, despite Shinde's pivotal role in leading Shiv Sena’s election campaign. "The love of the people is much bigger than any chair or post," Shinde added. This is in stark contrast to the mood at Saturday’s initial press conference at the official residence of the Chief Minister, where leaders from all factions of the alliance — including Shinde, Fadnavis, and NCP’s Ajit Pawar — had appeared united. Shinde’s solo appearance on Wednesday, however, signalled a shift in the dynamic, with speculation mounting over the BJP’s next move.

Shiv Sena Insists on Shinde's Claim to CM Post

While Shinde has publicly signaled his willingness to accept the party’s decision, Shiv Sena leaders have made it clear that they consider him the rightful claimant to the Chief Minister’s post. On Wednesday, Shiv Sena legislator Sanjay Shirsat reiterated that the alliance went into the polls with Shinde as the Chief Ministerial face, and he should continue in the role. "The coalition went to the polls with Eknath Shinde as the Chief Minister, and therefore, he has the legitimate claim to return to that position," Shirsat told India Today. "Shinde will not accept the Deputy Chief Minister position, should that be offered," he added, emphasizing the party's firm stance.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Naresh Mashke also weighed in, acknowledging that while the party is open to discussions, it would not follow in the footsteps of Uddhav Thackeray’s earlier stance of threatening to break away if not made Chief Minister. "If all partners in the Mahayuti accept Devendra Fadnavis as the leader, we will also accept it," Mashke said, showing a degree of flexibility. However, he also reiterated the party’s position that Shinde should be the Chief Minister, referencing the 'Bihar Model,' where the BJP supported Nitish Kumar despite the JD(U) not being the largest party.

"Just as in Bihar, the BJP made Nitish Kumar Chief Minister despite the numbers, Shinde should also be made Chief Minister in Maharashtra," Mashke argued. But BJP spokesperson Prem Shukla quickly dismissed the comparison, stating, "In Bihar, the BJP proposed Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister before the elections. In Maharashtra, we never made such a promise."

BJP’s Dilemma: To Stick With Shinde or Back Fadnavis?

The BJP, meanwhile, remains tight-lipped as it navigates its internal dilemma. While the party emerged as the largest in the coalition with 132 seats, a majority of BJP leaders are reportedly leaning toward naming Devendra Fadnavis as the next Chief Minister. Some within the party believe Fadnavis, with his strong political experience and broad appeal, could serve as a unifying figure for the alliance, particularly after the divisive split in the Shiv Sena.

Fadnavis, who served as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019, has refrained from making any direct statements about his ambitions. "The decision will be taken in consultation with all our allies," he said, signalling that the final call would be made collectively by the BJP and its partners.

The Road Ahead: All Eyes on the New Delhi Meeting

As the debate within the alliance continues, all eyes are now on the critical meeting scheduled for Thursday in New Delhi. The BJP’s central leadership will sit down with its Mahayuti allies — including the Shiv Sena and NCP — to discuss the next steps in the formation of the Maharashtra government. The outcome of this meeting will likely determine the political trajectory of the state and whether Eknath Shinde retains his position or if the BJP installs a new leader.

With the BJP securing 132 seats in the 288-member Assembly, the Shiv Sena (57 seats) and the NCP (41 seats) together command a comfortable majority. However, the tussle over who will lead the state is now the central issue, with both the BJP and Shiv Sena working hard to assert their claims. As the clock ticks toward Thursday’s crucial meeting, Maharashtra’s political future hangs in the balance. The decision taken in New Delhi will have far-reaching implications for the state and could shape the outcome of future elections as well.