BJP backs Devendra Fadnavis as Eknath Shinde raises CM pitch

While the Maharashtra BJP leaders have been pushing for Devendra Fadnavis to be made the new CM, last-ditch attempts are being made by ex- CM Eknath Shinde to convince the BJP leadership that he be allowed to continue as CM, even if it is for a shorter tenure. A formal announcement on the choice of Fadnavis has been delayed as the BJP leadership wants Shinde on board, especially to keep the coalition matrix undisturbed.

Top BJP leaders are expected to visit Maharashtra as observer for government formation in the state. There are speculations that Shinde may be shifted to the Centre as a Union minister. Sources said Shinde has been informed of the decision to make Fadnavis as CM and he has not taken it well. However, Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Shirsat claimed that no such decision on the CM was taken or has been conveyed to Shinde. "The three party leaders in Maharashtra will sit together and only after speaking to PM Narendra Modi and home minister, will the name be declared. This process may happen by today or tomorrow," said Shirsat. Ramdas Athawale of the Republican Party of India, a constituent of Mahayuti, claimed that BJP's high command has decided that Fadnavis should be made the CM. "The Maharashtra dispute should end soon...as the BJP high command has taken a decision to appoint Fadnavis as CM of Maharashtra. But Shinde is unhappy and his displeasure needs to be addressed," Athawale said. Later, Athawale said it is his own wish that Fadnavis should become CM.

Athawale said Eknath Shinde "should take two steps back, just like Devendra Fadnavis took four steps back and worked under his leadership." The fact that Shinde was upset was clearly visible on Tuesday when Fadnavis and Shinde were present together to commemorate the brave hearts who died battling Pakistani terrorists on November 26, 2008. The two leaders barely acknowledged each other and there was no eye contact between the two.


Shinde, Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar later went to the Raj Bhavan where Shinde gave his resignation as CM.

Sources said the Shinde camp is seeking time from Prime Minister Modi to plead Shinde's case. According to sources, the delegation of MPs and MLAs would seek at least a one or two-year term for Shinde as chief minister.