NEW DELHI: Disregarding resistance from its ally Shiv Sena, BJP has pressed ahead with its effort to restore Devendra Fadnavis as CM of Maharashtra.
Sources indicated that this decision has been communicated to NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) which is comfortable with the idea of Fadnavis’s return to the office he held between 2014 and 2019 and then, briefly, for a few days in 2019. There are indications that the decision will soon be conveyed to Sena which has pressed for the continuation of incumbent, Eknath Shinde.
BJP insiders expressed hope that Shinde would come around because of the huge numbers at BJP’s disposal: it won 132 seats and reach the magic mark of 145 with the support of Ajit Pawar’s group of 41 as well as its “silent” supporters scattered among other parties.
Sources said the party will offer the post of deputy CMs to Sena (Shinde) and Ajit Pawar’s group, though other crucial details, such as who gets what portfolios and how many, are yet to be worked out.
While Shiv Sena and NCP have elected Shinde and Pawar as their legislative party leaders respectively, BJP has not yet made its official announcement, but Fadnavis’s selection as the leader of the party has looked a foregone conclusion since Saturday when BJP romped home with a record-shattering tally on the strength of the strategy and ground game he had scripted.
It’s understood that both Fadnavis and Shinde are heading to the national capital to meet home minister Amit Shah to resolve the leadership issue and discuss government formation.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Naresh Mhaske cited the Bihar model, suggesting Shinde should continue as CM. BJP MLC Pravin Darekar endorsed Fadnavis for the CM post, emphasising his capability to lead the state.
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