Lagatar24 Desk
Mumbai: At a high-level meeting in Delhi on November 28, Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde requested to be made Chief Minister of Maharashtra for at least six months if a full-term tenure was not possible. The meeting, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, was also attended by BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, NCP President Ajit Pawar, and other senior leaders.
BJP Rejects Six-Month CM Proposal
Sources reveal that Shinde’s request was firmly rejected by BJP leadership. “There is no system of appointing a Chief Minister for six months. Such a decision would set a bad precedent and negatively impact the administration,” a senior BJP functionary explained.
During the meeting, Shinde reminded BJP leaders of a purported promise made before the Lok Sabha elections, suggesting he would retain the CM position if the alliance won a majority. However, BJP cited its dominant performance in the state elections—winning 132 of the 288 seats—while Sena secured 57 seats and NCP 41.
BJP Leadership Stands Firm
Shinde was reportedly asked to consider the scenario if roles were reversed. “The BJP leadership questioned whether he would forgo the CM post if his party had won a clear majority. This left Shinde speechless,” an insider said.
Power-Sharing Discussions Continue
The BJP legislature party is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to finalize cabinet decisions, including power-sharing arrangements. Fadnavis, Shinde, and Ajit Pawar are expected to meet soon to resolve outstanding issues.
Shinde’s Health and Public Statement
After the Delhi meeting, Shinde traveled to his hometown in Satara due to ill health but returned to Mumbai on Sunday. Upon his return, he reiterated his support for any decision made by BJP leadership regarding the CM post.
