Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiv Sena, and Nationalist Congress Party—was called off earlier on Friday following Shinde's departure to his village

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.

On Tuesday, Eknath Shinde tendered his resignation as chief minister to Governor C P Radhakrishnan. The governor requested Shinde to continue as caretaker chief minister until a new government is formed.

BJP is yet to make a decision on the CM candidate after meeting with caretaker CM Eknath Shinde and his deputies Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. Follow The Hindu for live updates.

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.

BJP leaders meet MahaYuti allies to resolve Maharashtra Chief Minister deadlock amid speculation and criticism.

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.