Maharashtra CM's race nears end as Eknath Shinde backs BJP for top post: Top Quotes

The BJP on its own walked away with 132 seats followed by Shiv Sena with 57 and Ajit Pawar led NCP with 41 seats. Ajit Pawar already declared that his party will support Fadnavis for the top job in the state. Now, Shinde said he is not in the CM race, which means the road is clear for Fadnavis.

Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday held a press conference clearing all speculations about his next move. His presser comes at a time when everyone is closely watching his next move whether he backs the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate for the chief minister post or not.

Here are the top quotes from Eknath Shinde's press conference:

1. I Thank all the voters of Maharashtra for supporting Mahayuti and giving us a landslide victory. It's unprecedented.
2. Home Minister Amit Shah and PM Modi have fulfilled the dream of Balasaheb Thackeray to make a common Shiv Sainik, the CM. They (PM Modi and Shah) have always stood with me.
3. For the past 2-4 days you must have seen rumours that someone is miffed. We are not people who get miffed. I spoke with the PM yesterday and told him that there is no obstruction from our end in forming the government (in Maharashtra). You make a decision.
4. BJP's decision (on CM post) is the final. Who is the leader of NDA? PM Modi and HM Amit Shah. So, I called up both of them that there was no problem from our end in forming the government in Maharashtra. You make a decision and we will accept the decision.
5. Whatever decision is made by the senior leaders of the BJP regarding the CM post, their candidate will be fully supported by Shiv Sena.
6. A meeting of all three parties (of Mahayuti) will be held with Shah tomorrow (November 28). Detailed discussions will be held in that meeting. After that, a decision will be made.