Amid delay over naming CM, Shinde asks supporters not to throng Varsha'

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday asked supporters not to throng his official residence Varsha' in south Mumbai to pitch for his continuation as CM.

"After the great victory of the Mahayuti alliance, our government will be formed once again in the state.  As a grand alliance, we contested the election together and are still together today, Shinde said on X, asking his supporters not to assemble outside the Varsha bungalow, or any other location in his support.  Out of love for me, some people have appealed to everyone to gather together and come to Mumbai. I am deeply grateful for your love.  But I appeal that no one should come together in my support in such a manner," Shinde said. Despite the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance securing a massive victory, winning 230 seats in the 288-member assembly, consensus has eluded the ruling combine's leaders so far on who should be the next CM.  Shinde's supporters have been saying that he should continue as CM as the landslide win was achieved under his leadership.  Leaders of the BJP, which recorded its highest ever tally in the state assembly elections, have been pitching for Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis to take oath at the CM for a third time.  In the recent assembly elections, the BJP secured 132 seats, while allies Shiv Sena and NCP won 57 and 41 seats respectively.  The counting of votes for the November 20 polls was held on Saturday.