The formation of a new government under Devendra Fadnavis' leadership in Maharashtra is complete. Meanwhile, news of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's dissatisfaction has emerged. On Friday, Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant revealed that Eknath Shinde didn’t originally want to be part of the new Maharashtra government and instead wished to focus on strengthening his party.
Samant mentioned that Shiv Sena's Chief Shinde, who served as Chief Minister in the previous Mahayuti administration, relented due to his party leaders' demands.
Speaking to the media, Samant said, "Eknath Shinde was not eager to become Deputy Chief Minister. However, legislators and party leaders insisted on his involvement in the government to ensure the continuation of the initiatives he started."
Read also: How Did Eknath Shinde Agree to Be Deputy CM? Exploring the Backroom Discussions...
Wanted Focus on Organization
After Thursday's oath-taking ceremony, Shinde met with Shiv Sena leaders at the party office. Samant recounted, "He expressed his desire to build the organization but also acknowledged our request." Two weeks after the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition's sweeping election victory, both Devendra Fadnavis and Shinde, alongside NCP head Ajit Pawar, took oath as Deputy Chief Ministers.
'Together We'll Run the Government'
In a Wednesday morning BJP legislative assembly meeting, Devendra Fadnavis was unanimously backed as the CM candidate. Subsequent Mahayuti leaders' meeting endorsed Fadnavis, preparing his support letter. Shinde, Pawar, and Fadnavis approached Governor CP Radhakrishnan to claim the government. They then convened a joint press conference. Eknath Shinde remarked, 'In 2022, at this very spot, Fadnavis proposed my name for the CM post, and today, I’m proposing his.' Fadnavis elucidated, 'The Chief Minister role is a technical necessity. Together, the three of us will govern.'
Read also: What Impact Does Eknath Shinde Not Becoming CM Have on Uddhav Thackeray's Politics? | Opinion
Fadnavis Speaks
In an exclusive conversation with 'Aaj Tak,' Devendra Fadnavis explained, 'Shindeji has a knack for listening patiently and interacting with everyone cordially. Even during ticket distribution, he engaged in conversations till the very end. However, his decision to join the government solidified after our first meeting.'
When quizzed about the ministerial portfolios, Fadnavis confirmed ongoing discussions. 'We've nearly finalized the portfolio numbers, though I am not at liberty to disclose the exact numbers yet,' he declared.
