Shiv Sena has nominated Eknath Shinde for the Chief Minister position ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 18: Following the announcement of assembly election dates in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena held a meeting with its office bearers on Friday. During the meeting, there was significant support for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to be presented as the party's candidate for the chief ministerial position, signaling a strategic move as the elections approach.

Party leaders actively chanted slogans in favor of Eknath Shinde as Chief Minister, asserting that the saffron flag should continue to fly high. The meeting was led by Shiv Sena leader and MP Shrikant Shinde, with senior leaders Milind Deora, Ravindra Waikar, Manisha Kayande, Rahul Shewale, and others in attendance.

Shiv Sena leader and MLA Dilip Lande expressed praise for Shinde, stating, "Nath ke Nath, Eknath Shinde hai," emphasizing his connection with the people. He added, "Eknath Shinde is a people's person who feels the tears of the public; he is a supreme being who always comes forward to help us and others."

Prakash Surve criticized leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT), saying, "Everybody knows who the real traitor is. I organized a marathon in the national park earlier; we got tired of waiting, but Uddhav Thackeray and Aditya Thackeray never picked up our calls. They are not helpful; they are just pretenders and should be ousted."

Shrikant Shinde urged party workers to communicate Shiv Sena's message widely. He stated, "It’s just a matter of working for one month; we want a Mahayuti government again in Maharashtra. We just need to go to the people and inform them about government schemes. The environment in the state is very good. No matter how much the opposition may criticize him, the people have great love for Eknath Shinde. Those born with a silver spoon in their mouth will not understand the problems of the people. Ours is a government that gives and does not take."

Manisha Kayande affirmed that the alliance is contesting the elections under Eknath Shinde's leadership, stating, "There is no fixed formula. The candidate who can win will be declared... Shiv Sena has a stronghold in Mumbai; hence it should secure more seats there."

As the ruling Mahayuti alliance prepares for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly polls, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has become a key political figure, seeking to balance tradition with modernity while effectively handling crises and delivering on promises.

Elections for the 288-member Maharashtra legislative assembly will occur in a single phase on November 20, with votes counted on November 23. Eknath Shinde has been Chief Minister since June 2022, following a split in Shiv Sena, and has navigated the coalition government through various challenges. His journey from a rickshaw driver to the highest office in Maharashtra exemplifies a true underdog story.