Caretaker CM and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde was admitted to Jupiter Hospital on Tuesday due to fever and weakness, raising doubts about his participation in the Maharashtra Cabinet swearing-in scheduled for December 5. Tests for dengue and malaria were negative, but doctors noted a dip in white blood cells. Shinde has been advised complete rest.
Meetings on Government Formation Delayed
Shinde canceled all meetings with party leaders, including discussions with Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar on cabinet berth allocation and ministry distribution. The meeting to finalize government formation was also postponed.
Shiv Sena insiders are reportedly upset after BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced the oath-taking ceremony without consulting allies. This move, they claim, disregarded BJP’s need to finalize its legislature party leader.
Doubts Over Shinde’s Role in New Cabinet
Shiv Sena leaders have yet to confirm whether Shinde will attend Thursday’s ceremony or if other party legislators will take the oath in his absence. Shinde has expressed readiness to abide by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decisions regarding his role in the government. However, tensions persist over the allocation of the home department, with Shiv Sena demanding the portfolio while BJP remains hesitant.
Despite his illness, Shinde reiterated his commitment to the coalition and claimed he worked tirelessly as the “common man’s CM.” Shiv Sena leaders, including Shrikant Shinde and Minister Shambhuraj Desai, assured that he is prioritizing recovery. Meanwhile, preparations for the swearing-in ceremony continue under Mahayuti leaders at Azad Maidan.
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