Possible reasons Eknath Shinde, not Devendra Fadnavis is new Maharahstra CM
India Today
As the Maharashtra political turmoil neared its climax, Devendra Fadnavis’s announcement about Eknath Shinde becoming the new chief minister shocked the entire nation. Read on to find out the possible reasons behind the big twist.
As Maharashtra was preparing to welcome BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis as its new chief minister at 7 pm today, the news of Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde becoming the state’s CM came as a surprise to many.
The development came shortly after Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde met Governor BS Koshyari at Raj Bhavan to stake a claim to form the new government. Now, Eknath Shinde will be sworn in as the new CM at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai at 7:30 pm today.
Also read: Shinde undecided about pulling the plug on MVA? What to expect in Maharashtra crisis today
Here’s a list of the possible reasons behind the U-turn.
1. In 2019, the BJP and the Shiv Sena fought and won the state assembly election in an alliance. However, post the results, the alliance broke up over the question of who would occupy the chief minister’s post. Soon after, BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis shocked the political world by taking oath as the CM early in the morning with the support of the NCP’s Ajit Pawar. This hastily clobbered-up alliance didn’t last, but the move made the BJP come across as a party that had a lust for power. Having Eknath Shinde allows the BJP to project an image of a party that is not after power.
2. While departing as the Maharashtra CM, Uddhav Thackeray had managed to set a narrative of having been backstabbed by the BJP. “You [BJP] have brought Balasaheb's son down,” Uddhav said during his resignation speech. This narrative had the potential to bring Uddhav emotional and political benefit as far as the voters were concerned. By ensuring a ‘Shiv Sainik’ as chief minister, this narrative will not have the same impact.
3. The BJP quite clearly wants to create an image that they truly support the legacy of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb. Devendra Fadnavis said this in as many words during Thursday’s press conference before he made the announcement that Eknath Shinde would be the CM of Maharashtra. After all, with a ‘ Shiv Sainik’ in the CM’s chair, ‘Balasaheb’s dream still remains fulfilled’.
