Eknath Shinde Not Backing Off As Yet, Mahayuti's CM Paradox Continues

The Mahayuti, an alliance of NCP, BJP, and Shiv Sena, is facing a dilemma over who will become the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, with both Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis refusing to back off.

Maharashtra election results: Eknath Shinde has refused to back out of the race for the CM's chair.

Source : PTI

Maharashtra election results: The final tally for the Maharashtra Assembly election results is yet to be out and the Mahayuti seems to have hit its first hurdle — the dilemma over Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis as the Chief Minister. Both the leaders have said that a decision on the CM's chair will be taken after a meeting of the Mahayuti.

"Let the final results come in...Then, in the same way as we fought elections together, all three parties will sit together and take a decision [on who will be the CM]," Eknath Shinde said. Earlier, Devendra Fadnavis also said the parties will decide together.

#WATCH | Thane | Maharashtra CM & Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde says, "Let the final results come in...Then, in the same way as we fought elections together, all three parties will sit together and take a decision (on who will be the CM)." pic.twitter.com/q6hxe8Wyvn

— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2024

What's notable is that none of the leaders are giving up their claim to the throne.

Supporters from the BJP and the Shiv Sena are demanding for their respective leaders to be made the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. "This result has taken us by surprise. We knew we would win but never expected such an overwhelming result. I think Devendra Fadnavis is likely to be the chief minister," BJP spokesperson Pravin Darekar said on Saturday.

Who Has the Upper Hand? Eknath Shinde Or Devendra Fadnavis? 

However, the BJP will have the upper hand when the negotiations begin in the Mahayuti on Sunday, November 24. The BJP has a strike rate of around 85%, while the Shinde Sena has a strike rate of about 70%. This will give Fadnavis the edge over Shinde.

How Shinde And Fadnavis Are Placed

Eknath Shinde, incumbent Maharashtra Chief Minister, emerged as the most important player in Maharashtra politics in 2022 when he orchestrated a rebellion in the Shiv Sena, split it into two, and joined hands with the BJP to become the CM. Now, in 2024, he has again positioned himself as one of the most important players for the Mahayuti. Without Shinde Sena, BJP will have a tough time in Maharashtra in future.

On the other hand, Devendra Fadnavis single-handedly manoeuvred choppy waters in Maharashtra for the BJP and the Mahayuti. Emerging from a Lok Sabha poll setback, Fadnavis propelled the BJP to a commanding position. It remains to be seen whether he is able to fulfil his vow of "I shall return".