‘Fadnavis Will Be CM’: NDA Leader Ramdas Athawale Appeals To Shinde To Accept Deputy CM’s Post – News18

Last Updated:December 03, 2024, 15:01 IST

Maharashtra New CM Updates: BJP has called for its Legislature Party meeting on November 4, which is expected to end the suspense over the new CM.

Maharashtra New CM Updates: Amid the suspense brewing over the new Maharashtra Chief Minister, National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leader Ramdas Athawale on Tuesday claimed that Devendra Fadnavis will assume the top role and appealed to Eknath Shinde to accept the Deputy CM’s post.

The BJP has called for its Legislature Party meeting on December 4, with sources claiming that Devendra Fadnavis will be elected as party leader, which will pave the way for him to assume the Chief Minister’s post.

“He (Devendra Fadnavis) totally deserves it (the CM post) because of his experience and performance in the past,” the Republican Party of India (Athawle) leader told CNN-News18.

He added that Eknath Shinde, whom the NDA wants to appoint as Deputy CM, is “upset” over the decision. “I appeal to him (Eknath Shinde) to accept the position,” Athawale remarked.

Mahayuti To Pick CM Tomorrow

The party has appointed two central observers- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, to lead the BJP legislature party meeting tomorrow.

“We are going to Mumbai this evening. Nirmala Sitharaman is also coming. We will have a meeting of the BJP’s Legislative Party tomorrow at 11 am,” said Rupani.

He further hinted that the decision on the new CM will be made after the meeting and the elected leader may be considered for the CM’s post, given the BJP’s superior number over its ally NCP and Shiv Sena.

“After the Leader (of Legislative Party) is elected, the High Command will be informed of the name. An announcement will then be made.”

Rupani added that the BJP high command had discussed with all three allies about the Maharashtra government formation and reiterated that any decision would be taken by keeping Shiv Sena and NCP in confidence.

Eknath Shinde’s Key Demands

Sources revealed that the Home Ministry has become the biggest flashpoint between the Mahayuti parties, especially the BJP and Shiv Sena, amid the delay in the government formation.

Eknath Shinde, who is reportedly not willing to accept the Deputy CM’s post, has demanded Home Ministry and PWD and Revenue portfolios, which are among the key departments in the Maharashtra cabinet.

Earlier, reports claimed that Shinde, who doesn’t want to settle for the Deputy CM post, pushed his son, Shrikant Shinde, for the role. However, his son clarified, saying the speculations are baseless.

The oath-taking ceremony for the new Mahayuti government will take place on December 5 evening at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai, said party sources, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior NDA leaders will be in attendance.