Tue Nov 26 08:27:50 UTC 2024: ## Shinde to Resign as Maharashtra CM, Fadnavis Poised for Return

**Mumbai, [Date]** – Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will tender his resignation to Governor CP Radhakrishnan today, as the state assembly’s term concludes. While Shinde will serve as caretaker CM until a new government is sworn in, the much-anticipated announcement of his successor is imminent.

Speculation surrounding the next Chief Minister has ended with strong indications that Devendra Fadnavis will be returning to the top post. This comes after weeks of negotiations within the ruling Mahayuti alliance (BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP). Reports suggest Shinde will be appointed Deputy Chief Minister alongside Ajit Pawar.

The BJP is expected to hold the lion’s share of ministerial berths (21 out of 43), with the Shiv Sena and NCP receiving 12 and 10 respectively. This power-sharing arrangement follows the BJP’s landslide victory in the recent state elections.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has openly endorsed Fadnavis, believing his leadership was instrumental in the BJP’s success. Ajit Pawar also publicly voiced his support for Fadnavis over the weekend. While Shinde’s supporters advocated for his continued leadership, political maneuvering appears to have ultimately favored Fadnavis’s return. Shinde himself appealed to his supporters earlier today to avoid large gatherings at his residence.

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