November 26, 2024: Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde resigned as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Tuesday, sparking speculation over who will take the reins of the state. His resignation was submitted to Governor CP Radhakrishnan at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai, in the presence of his deputies, Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis.

Despite stepping down, Shinde will continue to serve as the caretaker Chief Minister until a new government is formed, leaving the state's leadership in a state of uncertainty.

The resignation comes after the BJP-led Mahayuti (grand alliance) coalition secured a resounding victory in the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections, clinching 235 out of 288 seats. However, the coalition has struggled to reach a consensus on who should succeed Shinde as the next chief minister. The Shiv Sena, a key ally in the alliance, has strongly backed Shinde for the top post, emphasizing his role in conceptualizing the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, a policy initiative that played a pivotal role in the coalition’s electoral success.

On the other hand, the BJP, which secured a historic 132 seats — its highest-ever tally in the state — has been advocating for Devendra Fadnavis to take over as Chief Minister for a third term. The BJP's success in the elections has fueled speculation that Fadnavis, the party's most prominent leader in Maharashtra, could be the next in line.

With the Shiv Sena and BJP unable to resolve their leadership dispute, the political future of Maharashtra hangs in the balance. The coming days will likely see intense negotiations as the Mahayuti coalition seeks to decide who will ultimately lead the state.