Shinde Calls First Meeting with Shah and Nadda ‘Positive’; CM Decision Pending

Maharashtra: Maharashtra’s Acting Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, described his first meeting with Union Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda as “positive.” The meeting, which took place in New Delhi, was held to discuss key issues related to the formation of the new government in Maharashtra. Following the meeting, Shinde confirmed that another round of talks would be scheduled to decide who would assume the role of Chief Minister.

Shinde elaborated on the discussions, stating, “The meeting was positive, and this was the first step. We had discussions with Amit Shah and JP Nadda regarding the grand coalition. Another meeting will be held where we will take a decision on who will become the Chief Minister. It will happen in Mumbai.” Alongside Shinde, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, NCP chief Ajit Pawar, and other leaders of the Grand Alliance were present at the meeting in Delhi on Thursday.

After the meeting, Shinde, Fadnavis, and Pawar returned to Maharashtra late in the evening. The meeting was crucial as it was aimed at addressing the formation of the new government in Maharashtra. In a statement before the meeting, Shinde emphasized that there were no obstacles to the position of Chief Minister, asserting that for him, the post of ‘Ladla Bhai’ (a reference to being a favored or important figure) held more significance than any other political role. Shinde further clarified his position, saying, “I have made it clear in yesterday’s press conference that there is no hurdle regarding the Chief Minister’s post in the Mahayuti (Grand Alliance). The term ‘Ladla Bhai’ in Delhi is misrepresented, and to me, ‘Ladla Bhai’ holds more value than any other position.”

Shinde expressed his readiness to accept any decision made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said during a press conference in Mumbai, “I have told the Prime Minister that if my presence creates any issue in forming the government in Maharashtra, there should be no hesitation in taking that decision. Whatever decision is made, I will accept it.” This statement reinforced his commitment to the success of the coalition government over any personal aspirations.

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis also addressed concerns regarding any internal disagreements within the Grand Alliance. Fadnavis emphasized that there had never been any conflict within the alliance, and decisions regarding the Chief Minister’s post would be made collectively. Speaking to the media, Fadnavis said, “There has been no discord in our Grand Alliance. We have always made decisions together. Before the elections, we announced that after the results, we would take a collective decision regarding the Chief Minister’s post.” He further noted, “Some people had doubts, but Eknath Shinde made it clear today that we will meet our leaders soon.”

The results of the Maharashtra Assembly elections were declared on November 23, but the ruling BJP-led Grand Alliance has yet to name its Chief Minister. The BJP emerged as the single largest party in the 280-member Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, securing 132 seats, while its allies, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, won 57 and 41 seats respectively. This delay in naming the Chief Minister reflects the ongoing discussions within the alliance, as key leaders work toward finalizing the leadership for the state government.