Last Updated:
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
Eknath Shinde returned to Mumbai early on Monday after recovering from a brief illness in his hometown Satara. (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, was 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.
