NEW DELHI: Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday requested his supporters not to assemble outside Varsha Niwas, the chief minister’s official residence, or any other location in his support.
“After the great victory of Mahayutti, our government will be formed once again in the state. As a grand alliance, we contested the election together and are still together today.Out of love for me, some congregations have appealed to everyone to gather together and come to Mumbai. I am deeply grateful for your love. But I appeal that no one should come together in my support in such a manner,” Shinde said in a post on X.
“Once again it is my humble request that Shiv Sena workers should not assemble at Varsha Niwas or anywhere else. The grand alliance has been and will continue to be strong for a strong and prosperous Maharashtra,” he added.
Whilst Maharashtra voters have delivered a decisive victory to the Mahayuti, uncertainty remains regarding the next chief minister. Senior Mahayuti leaders are currently in discussions to determine the state’s leadership. Although deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is the frontrunner for the post, the Shiv Sena supports retaining Eknath Shinde as chief minister.
The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a substantial victory, winning 235 seats in the 288-member assembly.
In the recent assembly elections, the BJP secured 132 seats, while their allies Shiv Sena and NCP won 57 and 41 seats respectively. The coalition also includes various smaller political groups.