In a surprise move Eknath Shinde has been made the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, with the support of Bharatiya Janata Party. Shinde will take oath around 7.30 pm on Thursday. Against the expectations former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will not be a part of the new government.
Fadnavis and Shinde met the Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari in theafternoon and submitted a list of MLAs supporting them. BJP has 106 party members and 14 others, Shinde’s group has 40 Shiv Sena MLAs and 10 independents.
The Governor has invited Shinde to take oath at 7.30 pm. Shinde alone will take oath as the Chief Minister. Expansion of his ministry will be done later.
Both Shinde and Fadnavis addressed the media after meeting the Governor. Fadnavis announced that Shinde will be the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Shinde stated that while in Maha Vikas Aghadi government the Shiv Sena members were neglected. More importance was given to other parties. When Shiv Sena 40 MLAs, including the ministers, are not happy with the functioning of the MVA Government, the leader should have introspected. “We had no face to face with the people of our respective constituencies. Getting elected next time was difficult. We therefore, decided to move awayâ€, Shinde stated.
Shinde expressed gratitude towards Fadnavis, Prime Minister Narendra Mody, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP Chief J P Nadda for extending support to him. He specially thanked Fadnavis, who allowed him (Shinde) to become CM, when he himself could have claimed it.
Shindes reiterated that he is faithful to Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and would work as per his teachings. The new government would work for development of Maharashtra. He raised voice against injustice caused to the Shiv Sena legislators. His stand is justified as 40 MLAs followed him. He has two-thirds of the MLAs of Shiv Sena.
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