Suspense prevailed before Shinde finally took oath as Deputy CM of Maharashtra

Suspense over Eknath Shinde's role in Maharashtra government ends as he agrees to become Deputy CM.

Even two hours before the swearing-in ceremony of the new Maharashtra Chief Minister on Thursday (December 5, 2024), there was suspense over whether outgoing CM Eknath Shinde would be seen at Azad Maidan in Mumbai during the grand event.

In the three days leading up to the oath-taking ceremony, leaders from the BJP as well as Shiv Sena party workers made all possible efforts to convince Mr. Shinde to agree to take oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant told reporters in Mumbai that if Mr. Shinde refused to take oath as Deputy Chief Minister, none of the party MLAs would accept any role and responsibility in the new government. “We made it very clear to Eknath Shinde that he must become the Deputy CM or else we are not taking any role or responsibility,” Mr. Samant said.

Shiv Sena leaders and party workers had met Mr. Shinde on Wednesday (December 4, 2024) evening, urging him to take the position.

Shiv Sena leader and former Cabinet Minister Deepak Kesarkar also visited Mr. Shinde’s residence. “Mr. Shinde has agreed to consider the position of Deputy CM with a positive mindset. He always listens to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. In 2022, even Devendra Fadnavis had accepted the post of Deputy CM after the central leadership of BJP insisted. Both parties have different names, but they share the same principles and ideologies. The whole idea is to work together for the people.”

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat said that Mr. Shinde would not disappoint his party workers. “Mr. Shinde is our leader and we all want him to take oath as Deputy CM. We believe in him, and he will not disappoint us. We will convince him,” Mr. Shirsat had said.

Two hours before the swearing-in ceremony, Mr. Samant ended the suspense after a meeting with Mr. Shinde. “Eknath Shinde is set to take oath as Deputy CM in the evening. We had a discussion with Devendra Fadnavis, who provided us with a letter that confirmed that Mr. Shinde would join the government as Deputy CM. I am submitting the letter to the Governor. Mr. Fadnavis personally requested Mr. Shinde to join his government and Mr. Shinde has obliged,” Mr. Samant told reporters when he arrived at the Raj Bhavan to meet Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan.