The demand within Shiv Sena for Eknath Shinde to become the Chief Minister of Maharashtra is gaining momentum. Following MLA Abdul Sattar's call for Shinde, the party chief, to hold the CM post for 2.5 years, minister Pratap Sarnaik stated that the people desire Shinde to lead the state government. MLC Bacchu Kadu suggested that current CM Devendra Fadnavis should be promoted to a central ministerial position.
Sarnaik on Numbers
Pratap Sarnaik, however, acknowledged that it would be inappropriate to demand the CM post based solely on the strength of 60 MLAs in a 288-member House. "As workers, we want deputy CM Eknath Shinde to become the CM again. However, in the end, numbers matter... Efforts will be made to increase Shiv Sena's strength in Lok Sabha and the assembly in 2029," he said.
Kadu's Proposal
Bacchu Kadu argued that if Devendra Fadnavis were to secure a central ministerial berth, it would pave the way for Shinde's appointment as CM. He mentioned that party functionaries had toured Vidarbha over the past 20 days and understood the public sentiment. "I am sure that Vidarbha will make Eknath Shinde CM," Kadu asserted.
Samant's Support
Shiv Sena minister Uday Samant clarified that Kadu's demand was made in his personal capacity. "However, this demand is natural. I, too, want Shinde to become the CM, just as BJP wants Devendra Fadnavis in the CM's post," Samant added.
BJP's Response
BJP minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule dismissed talks of Fadnavis heading to Delhi. "His goal is to create a developed Maharashtra and he is determined to make it a leading state." He emphasized that discussions on sensitive subjects like the CM post should be held with the relevant party leadership before public comments are made.
Earlier Demands
Last week, after a three-hour meeting with Shinde, Abdul Sattar had sought the CM chair for Shinde and alleged that BJP was treating Shiv Sena unjustly. "If a rotational CM post can happen in Bihar, why not Maharashtra? BJP made Sena the number 2 party in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar," he said. He noted that Shiv Sena MLAs were restless and urged both Shinde and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to decide on a potential merger.
Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad backed Sattar's claim of injustice, stating that BJP was interfering in his constituency and senior BJP ministers were preventing him from raising public interest questions in the assembly.
