27 November,2024 05:09 PM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra Jore
Eknath Shinde. File Pic
Amid suspense surrounding around who will be the next Maharashtra CM, Eknath Shinde on Wednesday said that he was leaving the decision about the Chief Minister's post to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
"I worked as a common man. People thought I was their brother, not CM. For me, the identity of Ladka Bhau (beloved brother) is much more valuable than any other post," he told a press conference held at his Thane residence.
"I have told them (PM Modi and Amit Shah) over the phone that I am not an obstacle in the announcement of the CM candidate and government formation," he said, adding that he would abide by the decision taken by the BJP high command.
Shinde said, "I'm happy that I could work for the betterment of people in two and a half years. We combined development with welfare and it was because this that we were voted to power with such a big majority."
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The announcement of the CM candidate has not been made four days after the Vidhan Sabha results. The three-way power formula and the time BJP took to convince Shinde reasons is said to be the reason for the delay. BJP's Devendra Fadnavis is the hot favourite from his party for the top job.
Shinde said PM Modi's decision would be final for him. He said the three Mahayuti parties will meet Amit Shah on Thursday in New Delhi to decide the next course of action and government formation.
Shinde said anyone who takes over would be Mahayuti's CM. "I was Mahayuti's CM and I was supported by the BJP. It is time I supported them," he said.
Shinde's statements comes at a time when political speculation has been rife regarding the future leadership of the state.
Eknath Shinde said, "My party will support the BJP even if the new CM candidate is from the BJP. PM Modi's decision will be final for us."
Watch Eknath Shinde's press briefing below
Eknath Shinde paved the way for the BJP to install its CM, saying, "the Bharatiya Janata Party has supported him in the past two and a half years. Our full support will be to the BJP's CM candidate."
He said, "The three party leaders will meet on Thursday in New Delhi to decide the next course of action, government formation etc."
Shinde rubbished reports that he was disappointed for not getting a second term as CM despite the ruling Mahayuti alliance winning a thumping victory.
