Amid the ongoing preparations for the Maharashtra assembly elections, the Shiv Sena has made a bold and public demand for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to be projected as the Chief Ministerial face for the upcoming state elections. This demand comes just as the ruling Mahayuti alliance appeared to be moving ahead smoothly, with leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) actively engaged in discussions about the coalition's election strategy.

The spotlight on Shinde intensified on Wednesday when Mahayuti leaders, including CM Shinde, Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar, addressed the media. During the interaction, a question was raised about who would be the alliance's CM candidate. Fadnavis, in a seemingly spontaneous gesture, pointed towards Shinde and remarked, "Our CM is here," which was widely seen as an endorsement of Shinde's leadership by the BJP.

However, the demand for Shinde?s official projection as the CM candidate became more pronounced on Friday when Shrikant Shinde, MP from Kalyan and son of CM Shinde, convened a meeting with key Shiv Sena leaders at Shivaji Mandir, Dadar. During the gathering, a short film titled "Punha Eknath Shinde ch Mukhya Mantri" (Eknath Shinde as CM once again) was released, and party members made it clear that they wanted Shinde to lead the charge in the upcoming elections.

Political insiders believe this sudden move signals underlying tensions within the Mahayuti alliance, with the Shiv Sena eager to solidify Shinde's leadership. Sources have revealed that in recent meetings with senior BJP leaders, Eknath Shinde had requested an official commitment to be projected as the alliance?s CM face, though no definitive assurance was provided at the time.

At the meeting, chants in support of Shinde echoed through the venue. Party heavyweights like Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora, MP Ravindra Waikar, MLC Manisha Kayande, and former MP Rahul Shewale were present, showing unified backing for Shinde. Chandivali MLA Dilip Lande praised Shinde, saying, "Nath ke Nath, Eknath Shinde hai," describing him as a "people?s person" and a leader always ready to help. Meanwhile, Magathane MLA Prakash Surve criticized the rival Shiv Sena (UBT) faction, accusing them of being unresponsive and out of touch with the people.

Shrikant Shinde, addressing the gathering, emphasized the importance of working together over the next month to ensure a Mahayuti victory. He expressed confidence in the people?s love for Eknath Shinde despite opposition attacks, urging party members to make voters aware of the government?s schemes and achievements.

MLC Manisha Kayande echoed these sentiments, stating that the alliance would contest the upcoming elections under Eknath Shinde?s leadership.

As the Mahayuti gears up for the assembly polls, Eknath Shinde has emerged as a significant political figure, balancing tradition and modernity while steering the alliance through a challenging political landscape. The decision to project him as the CM face, however, remains a crucial point of negotiation within the coalition as the election date draws closer.