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

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?

Eknath Shinde has hinted that he is out of the race for the Maharashtra CM post, saying he will abide by PM Narendra Modi’s and Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s decision on the matter. This means the path is clear for the BJP to appoint its own face for the top job.

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.

Eknath Shinde, who served as chief minister in the outgoing Maharashtra government, is unlikely to accept the post of deputy CM in the new dispensation, his close aide Sanjay Shirsat said on Thursday.

The BJP will likely give 12 Maharashtra cabinet berths, including three big-ticket portfolios, to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena to make up for the Chief Minister post, according to sources.