Tue Nov 26 17:39:08 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra CM Shinde Resigns After BJP-led Coalition’s Landslide Victory
**Mumbai, India –** Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has submitted his resignation, creating suspense over who will lead the state following the recent assembly elections. The BJP-led Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, including Shinde’s faction of Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, secured a resounding victory, winning 234 out of 288 seats. The BJP alone won 132 seats, while Shinde’s Shiv Sena won 57 and Ajit Pawar’s NCP secured 41.
Shinde’s resignation, submitted to Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, is a procedural move following the conclusion of the 14th Maharashtra Assembly’s term. He will continue as caretaker Chief Minister until a successor is chosen. While the Governor is expected to announce a new Chief Minister today, negotiations between the BJP and Shinde’s Shiv Sena continue.
Sources suggest that the BJP is considering a power-sharing agreement, with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis potentially serving as CM for the first two and a half years, followed by Shinde for the remaining term. However, reports indicate that the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is lobbying for Fadnavis to retain the CM post, citing his crucial role in the coalition’s electoral triumph. The situation remains fluid, with a final decision expected imminently.
First Piper 