The delay in government formation and the selection of Maharashtra’s Chief Minister has led to speculation that Shinde was seeking an extension of his tenure by another 2.5 years, while the BJP was pushing for its own candidate for the post.“The interests of Maharashtra are supreme for us, and we will work for them. The Mahayuti achieved a massive landslide victory in the state polls due to the work and schemes launched by my government over the last 2.5 years. I travelled and campaigned for Mahayuti candidates across Maharashtra. The election results show that the people of Maharashtra have placed their trust in the Mahayuti government,” Shinde asserted.He further remarked that he approached his role not as the Chief Minister but as a common man of the state. “I am very happy with my work as Chief Minister, and the election results reflect this. I was accessible to every person. Both the state and central governments have taken several major decisions that have benefited the state. Due to the successful and effective implementation of the Ladki Bahin scheme, I have been recognised as ‘Ladka Bhau’ – the brother of Ladki Bahin (sister),” Shinde added.According to BJP sources, the delay in government formation prompted the party’s top leadership to call on Shinde to step aside from the race for the Chief Minister’s post. This decision was reportedly influenced by the BJP’s performance in the polls, securing 132 seats, just shy of the simple majority of 145 in the 288-member state assembly.“Shinde was told that the party could not disappoint its leaders and workers, who want a BJP leader as Chief Minister. He was asked to focus on working towards a larger goal in the coming days,” said a BJP source, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Source link
