Hours after that, Devendra Fadnavis, the leader of the BJP, called in to Maharashtra’s caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to check on his health after political tensions over government formation. Earlier, Shinde, who was allegedly upset with the BJP’s decision to remove him as CM, sought key portfolios and deputy CM post for his son, Shrikant Shinde, during a Delhi meeting where he had said talks of continuance of NCP in the government are over. After this, Shinde retreated to his father’s village in Satara on health grounds, including a sore throat and mild fever.
Mumbai – Return and Health Update
“He was on IV medicine and is doing well recovering,” Dr. Parte, Shinde’s physician said. Parte said he would feel better in two days. Shinde plans to return to Thane via helicopter on Sunday at 2:He is expected to stay at his residence to rest and recover, and 00 pm.
Health Concerns Among Political Developments
Shinde’s health troubles meanwhile continued as talks about government formation in Maharashtra progressed. BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule said that the Mahayuti (the grand alliance) government oath taking ceremony will be held December 5 at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. This high profile event will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Shinde’s position remains uncertain, particularly his son’s bid for deputy CM post if he is picked by alliance partners for the portfolio. Fadnavis’s outreach suggests the attempt to calm the ruffled feathers was underway, and was cut short with Shinde’s brief absence for health reasons.
With Shinde set to resume active political duties, but also as the BJP looks to strike a balance between power sharing demands and maintaining unity within the Mahayuti coalition leading up to the swearing in, the focus thereby shifts.
