Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as Maharashtra’s chief minister on Thursday, with Eknath Shinde and NCP leader Ajit Pawar taking their oaths as his deputies. Fadnavis addressed claims that Shinde was upset, denying allegations of any significant delay in the government’s formation.
In an interview with CNN-News18, Fadnavis clarified that while Shinde is an emotional person, Ajit Pawar is more pragmatic. “Shinde ji is emotional in nature, while Ajit dada does practical politics. I have connected with both,” he said.
Fadnavis also acknowledged the challenges faced during the past 2.5 years, calling it a “roller coaster ride.” He rejected claims of delay in forming the government, adding, “I don’t think Shinde ji was angry on any issue. He had accepted that, as the BJP has more MLAs, the CM should be from the party.” Fadnavis further explained that there were discussions about Shinde being made the coordination committee chairman, but it did not lead to any animosity.
Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant, however, claimed on Friday that Eknath Shinde was initially reluctant to join the new government, preferring to focus on strengthening his party instead. Samant added that Shinde, who had previously served as chief minister under the Mahayuti alliance, eventually agreed due to pressure from party leaders.
When questioned about Shinde’s initial hesitations about being deputy CM, Fadnavis responded, “If a party chief is outside the government, the party can’t run effectively. I made Shinde ji understand this.”
Following the swearing-in, Samant shared that Shinde had expressed his desire to build the Shiv Sena organization but ultimately relented to party demands.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MLA Bharat Gogavale confirmed that Shinde has asked for the crucial Home Department portfolio from the BJP. Talks regarding the allocation of portfolios are ongoing, with a cabinet expansion expected between December 11 and 16, just before the winter session of the state legislature, which starts on December 16 in Nagpur.
