Maharashtra: Even as the clock ticks down to Devendra Fadnavis’ swearing-in ceremony as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, the suspense continues to build over whether key Mahayuti leader and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde will accept the Deputy CM post.
Over the last two days, media reports suggested that Shinde, the outgoing Chief Minister, has agreed to take the Deputy CM’s post following a meeting with Devendra Fadnavis at ‘Varsha’, the official residence of the caretaker CM in Mumbai.
However, with Shinde yet to reveal his final decision, Shiv Sena leaders have decided they won’t take any responsibility in the new government unless Shinde accepts the Deputy CM post.
“If Eknath Shinde doesn’t accept the Deputy CM post, no Shiv Sena MLA will accept any responsibility in the new govt,” said party leader Uday Samant.
Another Shiv Sena leader, Sanjay Shirsat, said that they believe that Eknath Shinde will listen to their request, and he will take oath as Deputy CM.
“He is our leader, and we want him to take the oath as Deputy CM…we are all going to (meet) Eknath Shinde. We will convince and get him ready for the oath-taking.”
Whereas, party leader Deepak Kesarkar said that party MLAs also requested him to be a part of the Maharashtra cabinet to take the post of Deputy CM during their meeting on Wednesday evening.
“He said that he would consider it positively and he (Eknath Shinde) always listens to PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. If a message comes from there, it will be very good and he will always consider their decision. Even Devendra Fadnavis accepted the post of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister after the central leadership of BJP insisted (in 2022). Our parties are different but principles and ideologies are the same,” said Kesarkar.
The Sena leader added that cabinet expansion should take place before the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
Devendra Fadnavis is all set to assume the role of Chief Minister after taking oath today evening.
Ajit Pawar has also confirmed that he will take oath as Deputy Chief Minister in the new government.
The oath-taking ceremony will take place at Azad Maidan in Mumbai at 5.30 pm in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other ministers.
