Power Struggle Intensifies: Shinde Allies Claim He Will Return as Maharashtra Chief Minister

The power struggle between Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the BJP in Maharashtra is growing more intense, with Shinde's supporters openly stating he will return to lead the state.

Party sources reveal that Shinde has explicitly expressed his desire to reclaim the Chief Minister position—a role he lost following the 2024 elections when BJP secured more seats than his party. This political shift allowed Devendra Fadnavis to return as Chief Minister after previously serving as Shinde's deputy from 2022 to 2024.

Maharashtra Education Minister Dada Bhuse has recently created controversy by suggesting Eknath Shinde will return to the Chief Minister position.

During a public address, Bhuse stated, "You said that previously, Maharashtra has not seen such a Chief Minister, and will not see one in the future. But even today, if you ask the people who is the Chief Minister in their hearts, even today the people will say that the Chief Minister in their hearts is the Eknathji Shinde Saheb."

"And don't worry about what is written in the history of the future, we will certainly see Eknathji Shinde Saheb leading Maharashtra once again. And therefore, for the development of this city, I request all of you to bless the 'Panel to Panel' Bow and Arrow (the symbol)," Bhuse added during his speech in Maharashtra's Nandurbar.

As local body election campaigns intensify, Shiv Sena (Shinde Faction) MLA Nilesh Rane claimed late Wednesday night that Rs 25 lakh in cash was discovered at the residence of BJP worker Vijay Kenavadekar in Malvan city.

Rane alleged this substantial amount was intended for voter distribution and represents the first concrete evidence that BJP workers are attempting to influence the electoral environment.

BJP representatives have dismissed these accusations as politically motivated. Party officials maintained that possessing money related to private business activities in one's home is not illegal, and unauthorized entry into someone's residence to conduct a sting operation raises legal questions.