'CM Stands For Common Man': Eknath Shinde Says As He Stakes Claim For Maharashtra Top Post

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde said that the assembly polls is a record victory for the ruling alliance and added that the bloc succeeded in striking a balance between development and welfare measures.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde with Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar celebrates the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance's lead amid the counting of votes for the Maharashtra Assembly elections, at CM's official residence 'Varsha' in Mumbai.

Source : PTI

The ruling Mahayuti alliance leaders on Saturday addressed a press conference shortly after the NDA alliance's massive victory in the Maharashtra assembly. 

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and Nationalist Congress Party Leader Ajit Pawar showed victory signs and exchanged sweets as the Mahayuti headed towards a landslide victory leading on 232 seats in the state. 

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde said that the assembly polls is a record victory for the ruling alliance and added that the bloc succeeded in striking a balance between development and welfare measures.

"This is a record victory for the Mahayuti. We thank the entire state of Maharashtra. We removed all the obstacles put in place by the previous Mahavikas Aghadi government. The people showered us with love. This election was led by the people themselves. Our focus has always been on the development of Maharashtra," Shinde said.

VIDEO | Maharashtra Election Results 2024: "This is a landslide victory for us... Once the counting gets completed, the three parties will sit together (to decide the CM). We don't have any difference of opinion among us," says CM Eknath Shinde (@mieknathshinde) at a joint press… pic.twitter.com/0cvzgZXWVV

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The ruling Mahayuti is leading on 233 seats while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi is leading on 49 seats. The other parties and Independents are leading in 6 seats.

Speaking on the chief minister's post, Shinde said that there is no difference of opinion among the Mahayuit parties and the three parties will sit together to decide the chief minister. He also said that for him 'CM' stands for Common Man, rather than the chief minister.
 
"Our government is for the common people. I extend my gratitude to PM Modi for his support. Women, children, and farmers remain our central focus. We want to turn the common man into a superhero. For me, the abbreviation 'CM' stands not for Chief Minister but for Common Man," the Shiv Sena leader said.

According to a report in India Today, Eknath Shinde has staked claim to the Chief Minister's position over his 'brainchild' Ladki Bahin scheme. 

Meanwhile, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis thanked the people of the state for the victory of the NDA alliance and said that the victory reflects the trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"We are grateful to the people of Maharashtra. This victory reflects their trust in PM Modi. We bow before the people of Maharashtra. This victory has only increased our responsibility," the BJP leader said.