Maharashtra's care-taker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday addressed a press conference at his residence in Thane. The presser comes amid rising suspense over the name of the next CM.

Shinde stated that the recent triumph of the Mahayuti was a landslide victory due to the combined efforts of all the allies. "The public of Maharashtra trusted us," said Shinde.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis left for Delhi to have a meeting with the senior leaders of BJP. Fadnavis is the front runner alongside Shinde in the race for being the next CM. Several leaders from the BJP as well as RSS have declared their support for the ex-CM to return on the chair.

Eknath Shinde Resigns As Maharashtra CM

Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde resigned as Maharashtra Chief Minister on Tuesday, amid uncertainty over his successor, three days after the state assembly election results were announced. Despite calls within his party for him to retain the post, Shinde stepped down as the CM.

The Shiv Sena chief submitted his resignation to Governor CP Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan. He was accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. The Governor then requested Shinde to continue as caretaker CM until the new government is formed.

Earlier that day, Shinde and Fadnavis attended a 26/11 memorial event at the Mumbai police commissioner’s office but had minimal interaction, reflecting the political tension.

Sena Leaders Lobbying For Shinde To Return As CM

The Shiv Sena, part of the ruling Mahayuti coalition, has strongly advocated for the next CM to be from its ranks. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat on Wednesday stated that since the elections were fought under Shinde’s leadership, he should continue as CM. Shirsat also hinted that the new government’s swearing-in ceremony could take place at Wankhede Stadium by December 2.

Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske dismissed speculation about confusion over the CM’s post, stating that leadership discussions take time. He urged the BJP to consider Shiv Sena for the position, drawing parallels with similar arrangements in Bihar.

"There is no confusion. The leaders of Mahayuti will take a decision on the CM. No state announces the name of the CM in two days. It takes time. We are a small party so we have demanded that just like you (BJP) gave it (CM'S post to JDU) in Bihar, give it to us as well... It is on the leaders to decide," Mhaske said while speaking to ANI.

Fadnavis To Be Next CM, Hints Ramdas Athawale

Meanwhile, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale claimed that BJP leadership had chosen Devendra Fadnavis to become CM for a third time, though no official confirmation came from the BJP.

The Mahayuti coalition delivered a strong performance in the recent Assembly elections, winning 230 out of 288 seats. The BJP secured 132 seats, followed by Shinde’s Shiv Sena with 57 and Ajit Pawar’s NCP with 41, solidifying their dominance in the state assembly.