Eknath Shinde's Son Shrikant Dismisses Maharashtra Deputy CM Buzz: 'No Desire For Position In Power'

Amid speculation that he might be considered for the role of Maharashtra's deputy chief minister, Shrikant Shinde, son of Eknath Shinde, stated on Monday that he has "no desire for a position in power" and dismissed rumours about his involvement in any ministerial race.

In a post on the microblogging platform X, Shrikant addressed the delay in the swearing-in ceremony of the new Maharashtra government, noting the "numerous rumours" circulating about the matter.

"Caretaker Chief Minister Hon. Shri Eknath Shinde went to the village for two days and rested due to ill health. So the rumours flourished. The news that I will be the deputy chief minister is being given with question marks for the last two days. As a matter of fact, there is no truth in it and all the news about my post as Deputy Chief Minister is baseless and baseless," Shrikant Shinde said.

He further elaborated, "Even after the Lok Sabha elections, I had a chance to become a minister in the central government. But thinking of working for the party organisation, I refused the ministerial post even then. I have no desire for a position in power. I make it clear once again that I am not in the race for any ministerial position in the state. I will work only for my Lok Sabha constituency and Shiv Sena."

Shrikant Shinde currently represents the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency in Maharashtra.

Delay in Swearing-In

The new Maharashtra government is yet to be sworn in, despite the BJP-led NDA, known as Mahayuti, securing a significant victory in the recent state elections.

On Sunday, a senior BJP leader claimed that Devendra Fadnavis, the current deputy chief minister, has been finalised for the chief minister's post, a position for which outgoing and caretaker CM Eknath Shinde was also reportedly a contender.

Eknath Shinde, who is a Shiv Sena leader, travelled to his native village in Satara district on Friday amid speculation that he was dissatisfied with developments regarding the formation of the new government. While there, he fell ill and developed a high fever.

Speaking to reporters from his village on Sunday before returning to Mumbai, Shinde said, "I have already said the decision on CM's post taken by the BJP leadership will be acceptable to me and Shiv Sena and will have my full backing."

Shrikant Shinde has also categorically denied any discussions about his appointment as deputy chief minister.