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.

As the final decision on Maharashtra's next Chief Minister remains pending, Shiv Sena leaders credited their party chief, Eknath Shinde, for driving growth and development in the state, while at the same time emphasising that there is no internal rift within the Mahayuti alliance over the issue.

Fadnavis added that Shinde, along with Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and himself, are working together and there is no discord within the alliance. (Image: PTI) Maharashtra New CM: The burning question everyone’s asking: Who will be Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister?

Outgoing Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde stated that the power-sharing agreement will be finalized after a meeting with BJP's Devendra Fadnavis and NCP's Ajit Pawar in Delhi. Shinde expressed his deference to the BJP's senior leadership,

NCP chief Ajit Pawar said on Wednesday that discussions over government formation will take place in Delhi on Thursday and a final decision will be taken.

The first thing the BJP can do beyond negotiating with the Sena leadership about its demand for portfolio is talking where Sena’s interest lies — the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), whose election is due next year.

The decision on 43 other cabinet berths and portfolio distribution among the three alliance members of Mahayuti (BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP) is yet to be finalised.

Eknath Shinde on Wednesday said he has assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he will abide by the BJP's decision on naming his successor.

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde are the top contenders for the chief ministers’ post in Maharashtra. However, speculation are rife that Fadnavis will take over as the next CM.