Finance
Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, resigned on Tuesday and handed over his resignation letter to Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan. Shinde, who was joined by Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, will serve as interim Chief Minister until the incoming Chief Minister takes oath.
The Governor handed over the letter authorizing Shinde to continue as caretaker chief minister.
Shinde resigned after the 14th Maharashtra Assembly’s tenure concluded on Tuesday. Last Sunday, the state government issued a gazette notification establishing the 15th Assembly.
Before presenting his resignation, Shinde attended a government gathering to honor the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.
Shinde made an emotional appeal around midnight, urging his fans not to show their power in his support. He assured party followers that Mahayuti has been and will continue to be a force for prosperity in Maharashtra.
Despite the Mahayuti’s resounding victory in the state Assembly election, the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP have yet to decide on the chief minister’s office.
The Shiv Sena is increasingly calling for Shinde to continue as chief minister, while BJP officials and cadres want Fadnavis to become the next chief minister to begin his 3.0 innings. In the case of NCP, a segment of the party is fiercely advocating for Ajit Pawar to take over as the state chief minister.
Similarly, NCP legislators chose Ajit Pawar as the state assembly party group leader. The NCP has expressed support for Fadnavis as chief minister.
However, the BJP legislators have yet to convene and select the state legislature party group leader. Shinde, Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar have yet to meet with the BJP’s central leadership, including Home Minister Amit Shah, to settle the cabinet ministry formula and the chief minister’s position.
Source: IANS
