Shinde Hails Voters; Stresses Collective Approach For CM Decision

With the Mahayuti alliance closing in on a landslide victory in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, incumbent Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured that the decision on the CM’s position would be a collective one, reflecting the unity displayed during the polls.

Speaking to the media, Shinde expressed his gratitude to the voters and party workers.

He stated, “Let the final results come in. Then, in the same way as we fought elections together, all three parties will sit together and take a decision (on who will be the CM).”

“I thank the voters of Maharashtra. This is a landslide victory. I had said before that Mahayuti will get a thumping victory. I thank all sections of society and all the workers of the Mahayuti parties,” the incumbent CM added.

Celebrations Begin Across Maharashtra

Shinde’s residence in Thane turned into a hub of festivities, with Shiv Sena workers cheering and presenting bouquets to their leader.

Shinde’s son, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, joined the celebrations, acknowledging the voters’ trust.

Shrikant Shinde remarked, “As we had expected, we have got very good numbers. I thank all the voters who stood behind Mahayuti and gave this landslide victory.”

The BJP’s Mumbai headquarters also buzzed with excitement as party workers distributed sweets and began preparations for larger celebrations.

CM Devendra Fadnavis’s residence saw similar jubilations, with sweets being delivered in anticipation of the alliance’s final victory.

Election Trends Highlight Mahayuti’s Strength

As of 1:00 PM, the Mahayuti alliance surpassed the majority mark, leading in over 200 seats and securing one confirmed win.

The BJP is spearheading the coalition, leading in over 100 seats, while the Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction are performing strongly in their respective strongholds.

BJP leader Vikas Pathak shared his optimism regarding the trends, stating, “We were expecting over 160 seats for Mahayuti, and that is exactly how it’s shaping up. The lead could increase further. This year has been significant for BJP. On its strength, the BJP is crossing 100 seats, and a Mahayuti Chief Minister is set to take office.”

“At the moment, every party and its workers believe their party member should become the Chief Minister. Similarly, each worker of the BJP feels that the Chief Minister should be from their party. Sweets have arrived, however, the final celebrations will not happen until the conclusive results are out and our senior leaders arrive.” Pathak added, “This has been the tradition. Leaders like Devendra Fadnavis and possibly Maharashtra BJP Chief Pawan Bawankule, if in Mumbai, will join the celebrations once results are confirmed,” he added.

Joy In Baramati As Ajit Pawar Leads

In Baramati, Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar led by over 15,000 votes, prompting celebrations among his supporters.

Crackers were burst, and party leaders, including NCP President Praful Patel and MP Sunil Tatkare, joined in the festivities at Devagiri.

Opposition Admits Defeat; Raises Concerns

Reacting to the results, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate acknowledged the party’s underperformance.

“Maharashtra election results are opposite to our (Congress’) expectations. There is no doubt we could have done better. Our campaign was good, but maybe the public expects more from us, and we will deliver on their expectations,” she stated.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, however, cast doubts on the results.

“This cannot be the decision of the people of Maharashtra. We know what the people of Maharashtra want,” he commented, sparking sharp criticism from BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla.

He said, “When anyone loses, they start making excuses for their defeat. In Maharashtra, we have worked for the poor, upliftment of women, and enhancing the heritage of farmers. Today, the government under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi is going to be formed in Maharashtra with a huge majority.”

As the Mahayuti alliance celebrates its electoral triumph, the key question remains: who will assume the Chief Minister’s office?

Also Read: Maharashtra Elections: With Majority Secured, BJP To Hold Legislative Meet On 25 November