12 hours ago
Last Updated:December 04, 2024, 18:16 IST
While NCP chief Ajit Pawar is set to take oath as one of the deputy CMs tomorrow, it is still unclear if caretaker CM Eknath Shinde will accept the role
Maharashtra's caretaker CM Eknath Shinde stood firm about not confirming his role in the new government and said he will do so by evening. (Image: PTI/File)
Soon after Devendra Fadnavis was chosen as the new chief minister of Maharashtra, the suspense over the post of his second deputy continued on Wednesday. While Ajit Pawar is set to take oath as one of the deputies tomorrow, it is still unclear if caretaker CM Eknath Shinde will accept the role.
At a joint press conference, Fadnavis said he requested Eknath Shinde to accept the position of deputy CM. “Shinde has recommended my name as the CM in his letter of support (to the governor)," he said.
‘WILL ANNOUNCE IF I’LL BE PART OF CABINET BY EVENING’
Shinde, meanwhile, stood firm about not confirming his role in the new government and said he will do so by evening. He said he backed Fadnavis like the BJP leader did for him two-and-a-half years ago, when he rebelled against then CM Uddhav Thackeray.
“We have staked claim to form government, oath-taking will happen tomorrow (Thursday, December 5). 2.5 years back, Devendra Fadnavis said I should be CM; today, I am backing him for the same. We will give full support to the decision taken by PM, home minister. You all ran speculative stories even when I went to my village, but we are happy and are forming this government willingly. We are working as a team and do not look down on anyone," he said.
He further said the new government’s aim is to work for the common man, and the Mahayuti had given its best and ensured that there was development during its previous tenure.
“The task of government is to work for the people. People have supported us, I thank them. Fadnavis has experience, I am privileged to propose his name for CM. I wish him good luck to work for the development of the people… I will announce if I will be part of the cabinet by evening," he added.
A day ago, Fadnavis and Shinde met in their first in-person meeting since their discussions in Delhi last week for government formation. The hour-long meeting’s details were still unclear as the Mahayuti allies BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP staked claim to form the government on Wednesday.
Some political observers said viewed the meeting as an outreach effort by the BJP to placate an ally, which is weighing its options, while others believe it served as a preliminary discussion regarding the swearing-in ceremony set for December 5.
Both Shinde and Pawar have backed Fadnavis for CM while the latter has agreed to be one of the deputies. But, Shinde’s silence on his new role remains a thorn in the side. And if he does not decide by evening as he has said he will, the suspense could travel forward to the day of the oath taking.
Shinde has been unwell over the past few days. His decision to head to his village in Satara district last week had sparked speculation that he was unhappy over the way the new government was shaping up.
Location : First Published:December 04, 2024, 15:46 IST
News elections Eknath Shinde Ends Suspense, Accepts Maharashtra Deputy CM Post: Sources
