Maharashtra CM pick to be decided tomorrow: Eknath Shin

Mumbai : Maharashtra caretaker chief minister Eknath Shinde, who fell ill recently, first spoke on the developments after being shocked by it while assuring that he is fine and resting in his native village of Dare Tamb, Satara after exhaustion from the election schedule.

Shinde said in a press meet on Sunday, that the decision of who would be the chief minister would be taken on Monday, "I have already given my unconditional support to the party leadership and will support their decision."
Shinde acknowledged heavy work during his tenure, he attributed illness to the hectic schedule, and said, "I am doing good now.". I had come here to rest after the hectic election schedule. I did not take any leave during my 2.5 years as the CM. People are still here to meet me. This is why I fell ill. This government will listen to the people. I have already given my unconditional support to the decision of the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and BJP President, and I will support whatever they decide for Maharashtra.

Shinde's health deteriorated on Friday after he cancelled all scheduled meetings and returned to his village. Civil Surgeon Dr Yuvraj Karpe said Shinde was suffering from a respiratory tract infection, fever, and weakness, though his vital parameters remain stable.

His blood pressure and pulse rate are normal. Tests conducted for dengue and malaria were negative, said Dr Karpe. He is suffering from bacterial infection that has been given antibiotics -- Monocef and Beplex saline. This is said to be because of the strain he had undergone owing to frequent travel and farm work. The CM is being advised for rest for two days. There is an ambulance and the medical team stationed at his residence.

Despite his health issue, Shinde is keen on the next steps for the Mahayuti government. In fact, Sanjay Shirsat, a Shiv Sena leader, revealed on Saturday that Shinde is likely to take a major political decision in the next 24 hours, keeping the suspense going on the next CM.

Shinde's health news comes after his meeting with the union home minister Amit Shah, BJP chief JP Nadda, deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar in New Delhi on Thursday. After the meeting, it had been speculated that whether Shinde was disappointed by developments. Former Shiv Sena minister Deepak Kesarkar visited Dare Tamb on Saturday but returned without meeting Shinde due to his condition.

#WATCH | Satara: Maharashtra caretaker CM Eknath Shinde says, "I am doing good now. I had come here to rest after the hectic election schedule... I did not take any leave during my 2.5 years as the CM. People are still here to meet me. This is why I fell ill... This government… pic.twitter.com/YYa8p7Sh1y

— ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2024