Eknath Shinde Steps Down As Maharashtra CM; Dy CMs Fadnavis, Pawar Present

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has officially resigned from his position. Accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Shinde submitted his resignation to Governor CP Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday morning.

The Governor has accepted Shinde's resignation and requested him to continue as caretaker Chief Minister until a new government is formed.

Speculation is rife about who will assume the Chief Minister's role next. The Mahayuti Alliance secured a commanding victory in the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections, winning 230 out of 288 seats. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats, while its allies-the Shiv Sena faction led by Shinde and the NCP faction led by Pawar-won 57 and 41 seats, respectively.

Amid the uncertainty over the leadership, Shinde has appealed to his supporters not to gather outside his official residence, 'Varsha,' in South Mumbai, to demand his continuation as Chief Minister.

Addressing the public via social media, Shinde stated, "Following the Mahayuti alliance's resounding victory, our government will soon take shape once again. We fought the elections as a united grand alliance and remain united today."

He added, "I am touched by the love and support from those urging others to gather in Mumbai on my behalf. However, I humbly request everyone to avoid assembling in my support."