At a time the BJP is in jubilant mode after getting an overwhelming majority in Maharashtra polls and is all set to install its favourite Devendra Fadnavis once again as Chief Minister of the state, the adamant attitude of the caretaker chief minister Eknath Shinde sending divergent signals.
Though repeatedly he is asserting that he will not create any hurdle for the formation of a new government and he will abide by the decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on the choice of new chief minister, the BJP seems to be unable to digest his indifferent attitude.
BJP leaders are wondering why Eknath Shinde on Friday cancelled two key meetings and left for his village Satara, after meeting Amit Shah and JP Nadda in New Delhi. In these meetings, BJP expected to formally announce the Chief Minister’s face.
By repeatedly claiming that it was his governance that played a crucial role for the success of Mahahuti in the polls, he has been indicating his strong claims to continue as the Chief Minister. In a way he is also braying `Maratha Pride’ cautioning the BJP replacing a Maratha Chief Minister with a Brahmin, who is seen as `anti-Maratha’ will spoil future electoral fortunes of the Mahayuti.
The Mahayuti is expected to face crucial Bruhat Mumbai Municipal elections very soon. His reluctance was also not to be Deputy Chief Minister in Fadnavis cabinet, creating embarrassment for Fadnavis, who was settled as deputy chief minister after earlier becoming chief minister for five years.
According to sources, the BJP is fearing to again make Shinde as chief minister expecting he would become a strong leader. At the same time BJP is now hesitating to replace him with Fadnavis and reportedly searching for a new one from Maratha or OBCs. In this regard, the name of union minister of state for civil aviation Muralidhar Mohal name is figuring prominently. He is Pune MP and its former Mayor.
Other conditions of Shinde also seem to be not convincing for the BJP. He is reportedly insisting that he should be made Mahayuti Convenor in the state, which BJP is fearing may make him the tallest political leader in the state. He is also insisting that the next Mumbai Mayor should be from his Shiv Sena, irresect of seats he would win in the forthcoming polls.
