Caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde all but conceded his claim for the top job on Wednesday, saying he left the decision to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, paving the way for the Bharatiya Janata Party to name its chief ministerial candidate.

Eknath Shinde might not become deputy CM. He was the chief minister in the previous government. Shinde's aide said the position is not suitable for him. He will, however, join the cabinet. Shinde's Shiv Sena will choose another leader for the deputy CM role.

Hours after Maharashtra's caretaker chief minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday said he would accept whatever the Bharatiya Janata Party leadership decides on the next CM of the state, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve said the BJP does not function under pressure from its ally and takes decisions independently.

Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde said Wednesday that he had told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he will not pose any hurdles in the formation of the new state government.

Eknath Shinde emphasized his commitment to the common people. He highlighted his work addressing public concerns. The BJP is considering Devendra Fadnavis for the next CM position. Shinde is reportedly trying to retain his role.

Shrikant Shinde, son of Eknath Shinde, said his father was setting an example of following the "alliance dharma" by setting aside personal ambition.

Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar on Tuesday said that Eknath Shinde is likely to resign after the current assembly term ends today. He said that Shinde will be asked to continue as the caretaker CM of Maharashtra till the new CM takes oath.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will meet Governor CP Radhakrishnan on Tuesday and tender his resignation as the term of Maharashtra assembly comes to an end today. He is expected to remain as a caretaker CM until a new CM and cabinet is sworn in,

Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole on Wednesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party's central leadership of pressuring Eknath Shinde to give up his claim on the post of the state's chief minister.