Eknath Shinde Resigns Today: Will Maharashtra Go Under President’s Rule As Vidhan Sabha Term Ends

Mumbai: The possibility of imposition of President’s rule in Maharashtra has been ruled out even as no party or alliance has staked claim to form a government three days after the assembly election results were announced. The term of the current assembly ends today, leading to speculation that the governor may recommend President’s rule if a government is not formed.

However, according to sources, the current political situation in Maharashtra does not warrant President’s rule. The Mahayuti alliance has got a clear majority, leaving them with more MLAs than the number required to form a government.

President’s rule was imposed twice in Maharashtra in the last decade. The first time was in 2014 for 32 days from September 28 to October 30, and the second time in 2019 for 11 days from November 12 to November 23. It was lifted in 2019 when Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar were sworn in as chief minister and deputy chief minister.

With the assembly term ending today, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will meet Governor Ramesh Bais and submit his resignation. As per tradition, the governor may request Shinde to continue as “acting chief minister” until a new chief minister is sworn in. As acting chief minister, Shinde will not be able to take any major decisions.

The tussle over the name of the chief minister’s post in the Mahayuti may end today. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to visit Mumbai and hold a meeting with the leaders of the Mahayuti. It is being told that a final decision may be taken by Tuesday night. The swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief Minister is likely to take place at the Wankhede Stadium in the next three to four days.

After this development, all eyes are on the state politics, especially on the next strategy of the Mahayuti and the government formation process.