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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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,