Team News Riveting
Mumbai, June 30
Shiv Sena rebel Eknath Shinde was on Thursday sworn-in as the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra; 10 days after he led a group of supporters to revolt against the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Agadi.
While it came as a surprise as political observers have been predicting a BJP-led government, another shock just minutes before the swearing-in ceremony. It was BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis taking the oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of the state that he earlier headed.
Shinde and Fadnavis were administered the oath of secrecy by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari at a ceremony in Raj Bhawan.
The dramatic turn of event started Wednesday night after Thackeray resigned a day before floor test in the Maharashtra state assembly. Shinde arrived in Mumbai from Goa on Thursday afternoon and met Fadnavis at his office. With the support of BJP, the Shinde have the support of around 170 MLAs.
As the number was enough, both the leaders headed for the Raj Bhavan. Shinde stake claim to form the government. Earlier, Shinde was scheduled to take oath alone as BJP surprised the political pundits by claiming that it will not be part of the government.
While assuring all support to Shinde, Fadnavis told a press conference that he will remain out of the government. “After the swearing-in ceremony, we will have a Cabinet expansion and Shiv Sena and BJP leaders will take the oath. I will stay out of the government,” said Fadnavis.
Just before the swearing-in ceremony, BJP President J P Nadda announced that Fadnavis should be a part of the government headed by Shinde to fulfil the aspirations of the people. “The BJP’s central leadership has decided that Devendra Fadnavis should become a part of the government. So, I have made a personal request to him that he should take charge as Deputy CM of Maharashtra,” Nadda said.
It was reported that former Chief Minister was “upset” with the decision to anoint Shinde to head the government and was reluctant to work as his deputy.
