Eknath Shinde resigns to act as interim Chief Minister of Maharashtra | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Eknath Shinde has tendered his resignation as chief minister to Governor CP Radhakrishnan as the term of the Maharashtra Assembly ended on Tuesday. The governor, however, asked Shinde to remain as interim CM until the new government is sworn in.
NCP chief Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis also reached the governor’s office to tender their resignations.
The Mahayuti alliance is yet to decide on its chief ministerial candidate after the huge victory in the state. Devendra Fadnavis, two-time chief minister and current deputy CM, is also seen as a choice for the post as he is part of the BJP, the largest party in the assembly.
Although voters in Maharashtra delivered a decisive victory to the Mahayuti, uncertainty remains over the next chief minister. Senior Mahayuti leaders are currently in discussions to determine the leadership of the state. While Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is the frontrunner for the post, the Shiv Sena is backing Eknath Shinde’s retention as chief minister.
Earlier on Tuesday, Shinde told his party workers not to gather in Mumbai to express support for him.
“Out of love for me, some congregations have appealed to everyone to come together and come to Mumbai. I am deeply grateful for your love. But I appeal that no one should come together in such a manner to support me. Once again it is my humble request that Shiv Sena workers should not gather at Varsha bungalow (official residence of CM) or anywhere else,” Shinde’s X-post said.
He also reiterated the strength of the Mahayuti alliance and said the alliance will remain together after the decisive victory.
“After Mahayuti’s great victory, our government will be re-formed in the state. As a grand alliance, we contested the elections together and are still together,” the post said.
“The grand alliance was and will remain strong for a strong and prosperous Maharashtra,” Shinde added.
The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a substantial victory, winning 235 seats in the 288-member assembly. In the recent assembly elections, the BJP won 132 seats, while their allies Shiv Sena and NCP won 57 and 41 seats respectively. The coalition also includes several smaller political groups.