Caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Hospitalized, Government Formation Talks Postponed

Thane, Dec 3 (NationPress) As the swearing-in ceremony for the Maharashtra Cabinet approaches on December 5, caretaker Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday due to fever and weakness, leading to the cancellation of discussions on government formation once more.

Shinde is receiving treatment from a medical team at Jupiter Hospital, where he has been advised to rest.

Sources within the Shiv Sena report that while tests for dengue and malaria returned negative, a decrease in white blood cells amid the fever has left him feeling weak.

Shinde's hospitalization casts uncertainty over the oath-taking ceremony scheduled for Thursday. It remains unclear whether he will assume the role of deputy chief minister, as he has not disclosed his intentions. Additionally, it is uncertain whether other Shiv Sena legislators will take their oaths in his absence.

Due to his health condition, Shinde has canceled all meetings, including important discussions with party leaders regarding government formation. A planned meeting with Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar to reach an agreement on cabinet positions and ministry allocations has also been postponed. A number of Shiv Sena leaders, including Mahendra Thorve and Bharat Gogawale, visited Shinde but were only able to meet with his son and party MP Shrikant Shinde to inquire about his health.

Shiv Sena Minister Shambhuraj Desai stated, "Shinde's condition is not favorable. He is suffering from a throat infection and fever. I have been with him since our trip to Delhi last week. The doctors have advised him to prioritize rest. After serving as Chief Minister for two and a half years with continuous effort, it's understandable that his health has declined."

Shiv Sena legislator and spokesperson Sanjay Shirsat mentioned that only the medical team can determine if Shinde will attend the swearing-in event. He added, "Eknath Shinde does not crave power; it is not a priority for him."

Last Friday, Shinde was experiencing a fever when he traveled to his hometown Dare in Satara district, which caused a meeting among MahaYuti leaders concerning government formation to be canceled. Although he returned to Thane from Dare on Sunday, he has been resting and has canceled all engagements. Fadnavis reached out to Shinde to check on his condition, and on Monday, BJP Minister Girish visited him.

Despite stating that he would not obstruct the government formation process and would follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision, Shinde has claimed that he has acted in the capacity of a chief minister for the common people, and there is public support for his continuation in this role following the Mahayuti's significant victory in the recent Assembly elections.

Shinde has been advocating for the home department allocation to Shiv Sena, although the BJP remains hesitant to relinquish it. Furthermore, Shinde expressed frustration over state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule's unilateral announcement regarding the swearing-in event set for December 5. Shiv Sena insiders have criticized Bawankule's action, pointing out that the BJP has yet to select its legislative party leader, while Shiv Sena and NCP have completed their arrangements.

Meanwhile, leaders from Mahayuti, including BJP's Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Praveen Darekar, along with Shiv Sena legislator Sanjay Shirsat and NCP Ministers Hasan Mushrif and Dhananjay Munde, visited Azad Maidan earlier to assess the preparations for the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for December 5.