Maharashtra's caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has reportedly demanded the Chief Minister's post during his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the formation of a new government. He has also put forth three key demands, including the support from women voters, Marathas, and OBC communities, for the success of the Mahayuti alliance in the state assembly election. In case the BJP doesn't agree to Shinde's demands, Shiv Sena with its 57 MLAs is ready to offer outside support to a BJP-NCP government.
Maharashtra Political Crisis: Eknath Shinde Demands CM's Post
Maharashtra's political landscape has taken a dramatic turn with caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reportedly demanding the Chief Minister's post in exchange for his support in forming a new government. Shinde, who belongs to the Shiv Sena party, met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the matter.
Background
The political crisis in Maharashtra erupted after the death of former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in June 2022. Shinde, along with a group of 40 Shiv Sena MLAs, rebelled against Thackeray and formed his own faction. This led to a split in the Shiv Sena and the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, which comprised the Shiv Sena, the NCP, and the Congress.
Shinde's Demands
According to reports, Shinde has put forth three key demands during his meeting with Shah:
Shinde believes that these demands are essential for the success of the Mahayuti alliance in the upcoming state assembly election. The Mahayuti alliance is a coalition of the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and other smaller parties.
BJP's Response
The BJP has not yet publicly responded to Shinde's demands. However, sources within the party indicate that the BJP is willing to consider Shinde's request for the Chief Minister's post if he can guarantee the support of a majority of MLAs.
Shiv Sena's Position
If the BJP does not agree to Shinde's demands, the Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) has indicated that it is ready to offer outside support to a BJP-NCP government. This would prevent the BJP from forming a government on its own, as it currently has only 106 MLAs in the state assembly.
Top 5 FAQs
Eknath Shinde is a Shiv Sena leader and the current caretaker Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
The political crisis in Maharashtra was triggered by the rebellion of Eknath Shinde and a group of 40 Shiv Sena MLAs against Uddhav Thackeray.
Shinde is demanding the Chief Minister's post, support from women voters, and support from Marathas and OBC communities.
The BJP has not yet publicly responded to Shinde's demands.
The Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) is ready to offer outside support to a BJP-NCP government if the BJP does not agree to Shinde's demands.
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