New Delhi: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday described his discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief J.P. Nadda as “good and positive” regarding government formation in the state. Speaking to reporters before departing for Mumbai, Mr. Shinde said the Mahayuti coalition would decide on the next chief minister “in a day or two” during another meeting in the state capital.
Mr. Shinde, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, met with Mr. Shah and Mr. Nadda late Thursday to finalize a power-sharing arrangement following the BJP-led coalition’s landslide victory in the Assembly elections.
“We will make a decision (on Maharashtra CM) in a day or two,” the outgoing chief minister said. “Discussions are ongoing, and once a final decision is made, you will be informed.”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that he would not stand in the way of government formation in the state and would fully respect the decision made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
“This ‘ladka bhau’ (beloved brother) designation is more important to me than any position,” he remarked.
Mr. Shinde described his meeting with Mr. Shah and BJP president J.P. Nadda as “good and positive,” emphasizing that discussions focused on forming a stable government.
“There is excellent coordination among the allies, and we are committed to honoring the clear mandate given by the people. The government will be formed soon,” he said, adding that another meeting of the Mahayuti coalition would take place in Mumbai.
He stressed that respecting the people’s overwhelming mandate is the coalition’s priority, rather than “chasing posts.”
The BJP emerged as the leading force in the Mahayuti alliance, winning 132 Assembly seats. Mr. Shinde’s Shiv Sena secured 57 seats, while Ajit Pawar’s NCP won 41.
In contrast, the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) faced significant losses. The Congress recorded one of its worst performances, winning just 16 seats. Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) secured 10 seats, and Uddhav Thackeray’s faction (UBT) managed to win 20 seats.
The Maharashtra Assembly elections took place on November 20, with the results announced on November 23.
