BJP Rules Out 'Bihar Model' Amid Shiv Sena's Push For Shinde As Maharashtra CM—What You Need To Know

Suspense over Maharashtra's next Chief Minister is continuing as the BJP stands resolute in supporting Devendra Fadnavis for the position.

The party dismissed calls for a 'Bihar model' arrangement proposed by Shiv Sena leaders advocating for Eknath Shinde to retain the role.

In Bihar, the NDA is in power with JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister, even though the BJP holds more seats in the state Assembly.

Addressing speculation about adopting a similar model in Maharashtra, BJP spokesperson Prem Shukla rejected the idea, citing the party's robust organisational structure and leadership.

Shukla explained that the BJP fulfilled a campaign promise in Bihar by supporting Nitish Kumar for Chief Minister.

However, he pointed out that no such assurance was given to Eknath Shinde during the Maharashtra election campaign.

The BJP's top leadership had consistently maintained during the campaign that the decision regarding the Chief Minister would be made only after the election results were announced, Shukla added.

Earlier, Shiv Sena spokesperson Naresh Mhaske had cited the 'Bihar model' to assert that Eknath Shinde should continue as the chief minister.

"We feel Shinde should be the Chief Minister, just like in Bihar where the BJP did not look at the numbers but still made JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar the Chief Minister. Senior leaders of the Mahayuti in Maharashtra will ultimately take a decision," Mhaske, a Lok Sabha MP, said.

However, the BJP leadership is reportedly unhappy with pressure tactics employed by Eknath Shinde's supporters to secure the Chief Ministerial position for him.

The Mahayuti alliance, including Shiv Sena, BJP, and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, swept the Maharashtra Assembly elections, winning 230 of 288 seats.

BJP secured 132 seats, Shiv Sena 57, and NCP 41.

Meanwhile, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) managed to win only 46 seats, with Shiv Sena (UBT) securing 20, Congress 10, and Sharad Pawar's NCP 10.

After the results, speculation was rife that former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was the BJP's face during the campaign, would return to the top post as the party emerged as the single largest party.

However, Shiv Sena has remained adamant on Eknath Shinde continuing as Chief Minister, citing the popularity of Mahayuti’s policies like the Ladki Bahin Yojana, a key factor in the alliance's victory.

Ajit Pawar-led NCP has also voiced support for Fadnavis's return as Chief Minister. Fadnavis previously served in the role from 2014 to 2019.

On Tuesday, Eknath Shinde stepped down as Chief Minister but was requested by Governor CP Radhakrishnan to serve as caretaker CM until a new government is sworn in.

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