NEW DELHI: Eknath Shinde resigned as Maharashtra chief minister on Monday after the state assembly’s term concluded. He met governor C P Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan to submit his resignation and will serve as caretaker chief minister until a new one is sworn in.
Over 100 temples across Maharashtra are holding religious ceremonies for Shinde’s continued leadership in the yet-to-be-formed government, according to Akshay Bhosale, head of Shiv Sena’s Dharmavir Adhyatmik Sena.
These ceremonies include fire rituals and prayers. Bhosale stated, “In acknowledgement of Shinde’s work for the welfare of priests and seers, pujas are being offered at temples.”
He added that these religious figures actively campaigned for the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP alliance, particularly in rural areas.
The recent assembly elections resulted in the BJP securing 132 seats, Shiv Sena winning 57, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP gaining 41 seats in the 288-member house. Whether Shinde will remain chief minister or be replaced by BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis is still uncertain.