Shiv Sena leader Bachchu Kadu on Monday renewed his pitch for Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to become Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, while suggesting that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should be entrusted with a larger role in national politics.
Speaking to reporters, Kadu clarified remarks he made in Bhandara a day earlier, where he had advocated for Shinde’s elevation to the state’s top post.
“As a Shiv Sainik, it is natural for us to want Eknath Shinde to become the Chief Minister. We would never say that the CM should be from another party. Shiv Sena is in our hearts and minds, and we want a Shiv Sena leader as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra,” Kadu said.
The legislator further stated that Fadnavis has the potential to play a more prominent role at the national level and should be given greater responsibilities beyond the state.
“Devendra Fadnavis should get a bigger role in national politics so that Maharashtra’s voice is heard across the country. Everyone is expecting that from him,” he added.
The remarks come amid ongoing political discussions within Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, and the NCP headed by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar.
Shinde served as Chief Minister from 2022 to 2024 after leading a rebellion against the then undivided Shiv Sena under Uddhav Thackeray and forming a government with BJP support.
Responding to questions about his recent comments on farmer suicides in Vidarbha, Kadu defended his stand, noting that the issue had been repeatedly raised by Fadnavis himself when he was in the opposition.
“Farmers are continuing to die by suicide in large numbers. Even orange growers are ending their lives. The Chief Minister has taken steps to address the issue, but more concrete measures are needed,” Kadu said.
He stressed the need for stronger interventions to tackle agrarian distress, particularly in Vidarbha, a region that has witnessed a high number of farmer suicides over the years.
Kadu also expressed concern over delays in the implementation of welfare schemes, including the Ladki Bahin programme. He warned that if eligible beneficiaries continue to face difficulties in receiving assistance, he would launch a protest on July 1 to press for timely delivery of benefits.
His comments add a fresh political dimension to Maharashtra’s evolving power dynamics, even as the ruling alliance continues to project unity ahead of future electoral challenges.
