Tue Nov 26 10:08:31 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra CM Shinde Resigns Amidst Coalition Leadership Wrangling

**Mumbai, India –** Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde submitted his resignation on Tuesday, creating uncertainty over the state’s next leader. While Shinde will remain as caretaker CM until a successor is appointed, the move follows weeks of internal debate within the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti coalition. The coalition secured a resounding victory in recent elections, winning 235 out of 288 assembly seats.

Despite the sweeping win, the BJP and Shiv Sena have yet to agree on a chief ministerial candidate. The Shiv Sena strongly advocates for Shinde to continue, citing his successful Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana as a key factor in their electoral triumph. However, the BJP, which achieved its best-ever performance with 132 seats, is pushing for Devendra Fadnavis’s third term as CM, a stance supported by NCP leader Ajit Pawar. The Shiv Sena won 57 seats, and the NCP secured 41.

Calls for Shinde’s reappointment have echoed, including a suggestion from Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske to emulate the Bihar model, where Nitish Kumar became Chief Minister despite lacking a majority. Shinde himself appealed to supporters via X (formerly Twitter) to avoid gathering in Mumbai to demonstrate their support. The political maneuvering continues as the coalition grapples with the selection of Maharashtra’s next leader.

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