Eknath Shinde set example of following ‘alliance dharma’: Son Shrikant

Mumbai, Nov 28 (PTI) Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde has expressed pride in his father, Eknath Shinde, the caretaker chief minister of Maharashtra, for exemplifying “alliance dharma” by prioritising collective governance over personal ambition.

In a post on X late Wednesday, Shrikant Shinde highlighted his father’s deep connection with the people of Maharashtra, emphasising his relentless dedication to serving all segments of society.

His remark follows Eknath Shinde’s announcement that the Shiv Sena would support the decisions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the selection of the next chief minister, facilitating formation of new government likely to be headed by the BJP.

The caretaker CM had said he had spoken to PM Modi and Union minister Shah and assured them that there will be no “hindrance” from his side in the formation of new government in the state.

“I am proud of my father and chief leader of the Shiv Sena. He kept faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah and set an example of the alliance dharma, keeping his personal ambition aside,” Shrikant Shinde said.

He further said his father worked as the “Common Man” and opened the doors of Varsha, the chief minister’s official residence here, for the people.

It is said that power allures almost everyone but Eknath Shinde is an exception. For him, service towards the nation and people is of paramount priority and his legacy will inspire future generations, the Kalyan Lok Sabha member said.

The blessings of the poor are Eknath Shinde’s wealth, he added.

The BJP-led ruling Mahayuti alliance in the state achieved a stunning victory in the November 20 polls to the 288-member state assembly. The BJP won 132 seats, Shiv Sena 57 and NCP 41, decimating the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi to 46 seats.

With Shinde declaring the Shiv Sena would not be a hurdle in the formation of new government, two-time BJP chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, one of the architects of the Mahayuti’s grand win in the polls, is emerging as a front-runner for the top post.

Shinde, alongside his outgoing deputies Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), is expected to meet with Shah in New Delhi on Thursday to further discuss modalities of the government formation.

Maharashtra NDA leaders are also likely to meet the top BJP brass here on Thursday, party sources earlier said, indicating the formula of one chief minister and two deputy CMs representing the all three major Mahayuti constituents will be followed in the new government.