Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde resigns as Assembly term ends

Mumbai: Eknath Shinde resigned as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Tuesday, submitting his resignation to Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan. Shinde, accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, will continue in the role of caretaker chief minister until a new CM is sworn in.

The resignation follows the expiration of the 14th Maharashtra Assembly's term on Tuesday, with the 15th Assembly now in effect after a gazette notification was issued by the state government last Sunday.

Before tendering his resignation, Shinde participated in a government event to pay tribute to martyrs of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. In a heartfelt message to his supporters, Shinde urged them not to display their strength in his favor, expressing confidence that the Mahayuti alliance, comprising BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, remains strong for the development of Maharashtra.

Although the Mahayuti secured a decisive win in the recent state Assembly elections, the alliance partners have yet to agree on who should assume the role of chief minister. Within Shiv Sena, there is growing support for Shinde to continue in the position, while BJP leaders are pushing for Fadnavis to lead in his third term as CM. A section of the NCP is also advocating for Ajit Pawar to take over the chief minister's office.

Shiv Sena legislators have elected Shinde as their leader, granting him the authority to make decisions regarding the formation of the new government. Similarly, NCP legislators have chosen Ajit Pawar as their leader and declared their support for Fadnavis as chief minister.

The BJP has yet to convene its legislature party meeting to elect its leader. Furthermore, discussions are ongoing with BJP’s central leadership, including Home Minister Amit Shah, to finalize the cabinet composition and make a decision regarding the chief minister’s post.

With IANS inputs