Caretaker Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde leaves after his check-up at Jupiter Hospital, in Thane, on December 3, 2024.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Maharashtra’s caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who reported sick for the past couple of days, visited a private hospital in Thane on Tuesday for a medical check-up, just days ahead of the new government’s swearing-in ceremony. The event is scheduled to be held on December 5 at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai.
Shortly after the check-up, Mr. Shinde, who returned to Varsha, the CM’s official residence, said that he was in good health. “I came for a routine check-up. My health is fine,” he said.
According to a hospital, Mr. Shinde had been experiencing throat-related issues and underwent precautionary tests, including an MRI. “He had a fever and throat infection that caused some weakness. However, he tested negative for dengue. It is a routine check-up” said Shiv Sena leader and MLA Uday Samant.
“He (Mr. Shinde) has been ill since the election campaign. Still, he chose to campaign with full strength and his health only deteriorated,” said MLA Sanjay Shirsat.
Mr. Shinde, a key figure in the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition, had been staying at his private residence in Thane after feeling unwell during the recent State election campaign. His visit to his native village in Satara last week had fuelled speculation about potential dissatisfaction with the new government’s formation, though his aides attributed the visit to health reasons.
Reviews arrangements
Soon after returning from the hospital, Mr. Shinde held a special meeting via video conference to review arrangements for Mahaparinirvana Day on December 6 at Dadar. BJP leader and Mr. Shinde former deputy Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, Greater Mumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, and Nagsen Kamble attended the meeting, during which the caretaker Chief Minister said that all necessary preparations must be carried out seamlessly to ensure the event runs smoothly.
He instructed officials to set up tents, health facilities, adequate toilets, food and water provisions, and help desks at strategic locations to accommodate visitors expected on the day. He also called for meticulous crowd management to prevent any disruptions.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra BJP will hold a crucial meeting on Wednesday at Vidhan Bhavan to elect its Legislature party leader, with Mr. Fadnavis emerging as the frontrunner for the Chief Minister’s post.
The distribution of key portfolios remains a contentious issue within the Mahayuti alliance. Shiv Sena leaders have staked a claim to the Home portfolio, citing alliance conventions.
Ajit seeks a meet
In another development, NCP president and Baramati MLA Ajit Pawar is expected to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi later on Tuesday. State NCP President Sunil Tatkare, responding to reports that , Mr. Pawar had sought a meeting with Mr. Shah but was placed on a “waiting list,” clarified that no formal appointment was requested. “Amit Shah is currently in Chandigarh. We may have political discussions tonight. We will talk about the ongoing developments,” he said.
The final allocation of portfolios will be decided in a meeting of Mahayuti allies in the coming days.
Published – December 03, 2024 10:17 pm IST
