Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat has pledged unwavering support to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, stating that his party will stand by Shinde’s decisions after the assembly poll results. His comments, made during a television interview, have stirred speculation about possible political manoeuvres in the state.
Shirsat, the MLA from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (West), emphasised his party’s trust in Shinde’s leadership. “We are committed to following whatever Eknath Shinde decides. We will stand solidly with him. Our trust in him remains unshaken,” he said.
When asked if Shinde might align with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar to retain the Chief Minister’s post, Shirsat reiterated, “Shinde only takes decisions in the right direction. Whatever he chooses, we will accept.”
Shirsat was among the Shiv Sena MLAs who joined Shinde’s faction during the 2022 revolt against the Uddhav Thackeray-led leadership, a move that reshaped Maharashtra’s political landscape.
BJP’s Reaction: A Clear Denial
Reacting to Shirsat’s remarks, BJP leader Pravin Darekar dismissed them as personal opinions, not reflective of the alliance’s stance. “Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena contested against the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawar’s NCP. An alliance with the MVA is unimaginable,” Darekar clarified.
Currently, the BJP, Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP form the ruling Mahayuti coalition, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) comprises Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction.
Shirsat’s Stand on Shinde’s Future as CM
Shirsat also deflected questions about Shinde’s position as Chief Minister if the Mahayuti alliance retains power. “The decision lies solely with Eknath Shinde. We will abide by whatever he decides,” Shirsat stated firmly.
Election Results Awaited
Voting for Maharashtra’s 288-member assembly concluded on November 20, with results set to be announced on November 23. As speculation swirls, Shirsat’s statements have added another layer of intrigue to Maharashtra’s already volatile political narrative.
