In the aftermath of the Maharashtra Assembly election victory, Deepak Kesarkar, close aide to caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, emphasized that Shinde’s leadership during the polls should be duly recognized. He called on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) central leadership to determine Shinde’s future role, dispelling rumors of discord within the Mahayuti alliance.
Shinde’s Leadership in the Spotlight
Eknath Shinde led the Mahayuti alliance of Shiv Sena, BJP, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP to a significant victory, securing 230 of 288 seats in the recently concluded assembly elections. Speaking at a press conference, Kesarkar said, “Our leader has already proven who truly represents the Shiv Sena. It is now up to Delhi to decide how to maintain his stature.”
Formation of the New Government
Despite the landslide victory, the delay in forming the new government has fueled speculation. The BJP announced that the swearing-in ceremony would take place on December 5 at Azad Maidan, Mumbai, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Kesarkar clarified that Shinde, as the caretaker chief minister, has no role in the delay. “The BJP’s internal selection process is their matter. Shinde has already conveyed that he will accept any decision made by them,” he said.
Allegations of Discord Dismissed
Rejecting reports of discontent within the Mahayuti alliance, Kesarkar labeled them as baseless rumors propagated by the opposition. He stated, “Three parties working together naturally require discussions. This is normal and does not indicate dissatisfaction. The alliance is firmly united, and Shinde is not unhappy.”
Opposition Criticism Amid Victory
Kesarkar also dismissed opposition leaders’ claims of disarray within the alliance. “Opposition parties, after facing a resounding defeat, are now resorting to spreading misinformation. Their baseless claims hold no ground against our significant electoral success,” he asserted.
Future of Maharashtra Leadership
While BJP holds the reins in deciding the leadership structure, Kesarkar reiterated that Shinde’s contributions to the alliance’s success must be acknowledged. “This victory is historic, coming after years of political polarization. It was achieved under Shinde’s leadership, and his role should be recognized,” he said.
Looking Ahead
The December 5 swearing-in ceremony is expected to reveal the Mahayuti’s governance structure, marking a critical chapter in Maharashtra politics. The alliance’s cohesion and BJP’s decisions will shape the political narrative moving forward.
Sidenote: This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
