Even as suspense continues over the new Maharashtra chief minister, outgoing CM Eknath Shinde on Sunday said he had already given unconditional support to any decision the BJP leadership would take.
Shinde, in his first reaction after reaching his native village in Satara, said a decision on the new chief minister will be made on Monday.
“I have already given my unconditional support to the party leadership, and I will stand by their decision,” he asserted, highlighting the unity among the Mahayuti leaders.
“All three allies of the Mahayuti have a good understanding. The Chief Minister candidate will be decided tomorrow,” he said.
The Shiv Sena leader had travelled to his native village, Dare Tamb, after cancelling a crucial meeting of the Mahayuti leaders in Mumbai on Friday, sparking speculation that he was upset over the power-sharing formula among the allies.
The party, however, later made it clear that Shinde went to his home town after falling sick.
"I am feeling better now. I came here to rest after the busy election schedule. I didn't take any leave during my 2.5 years as Chief Minister. People are still visiting me here. This government will listen to the people,” the caretaker chief minister said.
Shinde was reportedly suffering from a respiratory tract infection, fever, and weakness, and doctors had advised him to rest for two days.
The ruling alliance swept the assembly elections, bagging 230 of the 288 seats. The BJP became the single largest party, pocketing 132 seats, while its allies, the Shiv Sena and the NCP won 57 and 41 seats, respectively.
NCP leader Ajit Pawar on Saturday made it clear that the new chief minister would be from the BJP while there will be two deputy CMs, each from the Shiv Sena and the NCP.
According to reports, former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who steered the BJP’s victory in the politically crucial state, is tipped to be the new CM.