Tue Nov 26 21:49:05 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde Resigns, Devendra Fadnavis Expected to Take Over

**Mumbai, Maharashtra:** Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde submitted his resignation on Tuesday, along with his entire cabinet. However, Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan has asked him to continue in office until a new government is formed. The move, which preceded a BJP legislature party meeting, strongly suggests that Devendra Fadnavis will be the next Chief Minister.

Shinde, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, tendered their resignations at Raj Bhavan earlier today. The BJP’s legislative party meeting, attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, will formally elect its leader, paving the way for Fadnavis’s anticipated appointment.

This development comes after a landslide victory for the BJP-led alliance in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. The alliance secured 235 out of 288 seats, with the BJP alone winning 132 seats – its best performance in the state’s history. The Shinde faction of Shiv Sena won 57 seats, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction secured 41. In contrast, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena won only 20 seats, while the Congress won 16 and Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction won 10.

While the resignation sparked speculation about the next CM, the expectation now is that Mr. Fadnavis will assume the role. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut issued a statement criticizing Shinde and Fadnavis, alleging they were subservient to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.

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