Maharashtra's caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was discharged from Jupiter Hospital in Thane on Tuesday after undergoing a medical evaluation. Shinde, who had been experiencing throat infection, weakness, and fever, assured the public that his health was stable. "I visited the hospital for a routine checkup, and my health is stable," Shinde stated, as per news agency ANI.
Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant clarified that Shinde's visit to the hospital was routine, adding, "He has had throat infection, weakness, and fever. He would be undergoing a blood test." Samant also mentioned that Shinde would return to his official residence, Varsha, in Mumbai after his discharge.
Speculation about Shinde's absence from public activities arose when he travelled to his native village Dare in Satara district last Friday. However, his aides attributed his low profile to exertion from the recent Maharashtra assembly election campaign.
'Eknath Shinde Has No Role In Delays': Shiv Sena On Govt Formation, Demands 'Recognition' For His Contribution To Mahayuti Win
Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar underscored Shinde's pivotal role in the Mahayuti's victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections. "The election was fought under Eknath Shinde's leadership, and his contribution should be duly recognised," Kesarkar said during a press conference, as per news agency PTI.
The Mahayuti coalition, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena led by Shinde, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, secured a commanding win with 230 out of 288 seats. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats, followed by Shiv Sena with 57 and NCP with 41.
Kesarkar emphasised that the BJP's central leadership would decide on Shinde's stature in the new government. "Our leader has already proven who truly represents the Shiv Sena. Now it is up to Delhi to decide how to maintain his stature. We will not interfere in that decision," he remarked.
While the BJP announced that the new Chief Minister would take the oath on December 5 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speculation about delays in government formation has been rife. Kesarkar dismissed such rumours, attributing the delays to the BJP's internal selection process.
"Eknath Shinde, as the caretaker chief minister, has no role in these delays. The BJP's internal selection process is their matter. Shinde has already conveyed that he will accept any decision made by them," Kesarkar clarified, as per PTI.
Addressing concerns about discord within the Mahayuti, Kesarkar asserted, "Three parties working together require discussions. This is normal. It does not mean anyone is upset. Shinde is not unhappy, and the alliance is firmly united."
He urged media and political leaders to avoid speculative remarks, adding, "The opposition, after securing very few seats, is now looking for excuses and creating unnecessary speculation. This is a significant victory for us after years of vote polarisation."
The swearing-in ceremony for the new government is scheduled to take place at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai.