Eknath Shinde’s swearing-in comes days after he rebelled against Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and left the state along with a few other MLAs.
Mumbai: Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis were sworn-in as the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Thursday at the Raj Bhawan, days after he left the state along with a few MLAs and rebelled against Uddhav Thackeray.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated both Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis for swearing in as chief minister and deputy chief minister of the state. Modi, in a tweet, said, “I would like to congratulate Shri @mieknathshinde Ji on taking oath as Maharashtra CM. A grassroots level leader, he brings with him rich political, legislative and administrative experience. I am confident that he will work towards taking Maharashtra to greater heights.”
In another tweet, he said, “Congratulations to Shri @Dev_Fadnavis Ji on taking oath as Maharashtra Deputy CM. He is an inspiration for every BJP Karyakarta. His experience and expertise will be an asset for the Government. I am certain he will further strengthen Maharashtra’s growth trajectory.”
Earlier, BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis cleared the air and said rebel faction’s leader Eknath Shinde will be made the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The duo met Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari and staked claim to power. Shinde is expected to take oath as the Chief Minister on Thursday.
Also Read: Eknath Shinde will be Maharashtra CM, Devendra Fadnavis to be his deputy
BJP president JP Nadda informed that Fadnavis will be the deputy of Shinde in newly formed government in the state. Nadda tweeted, “BJP decided to support Eknath Shinde ji, showing a big heart for the betterment of the people of Maharashtra. Shri Devendra Fadnavis ji has also decided to join the cabinet with a big heart, which shows his attachment towards the people of Maharashtra.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also praised Fadnavis for accepting the party’s decision. Shah, in a tweet, said, “On the behest of BJP President Shri @JPNadda ji, Shri @Dev_Fadnavis ji has taken a big heart and decided to join the government in the interest of the state of Maharashtra and the people. This decision is a sign of his true loyalty and service towards Maharashtra. For this I heartily congratulate him.”
After heightened political drama in Maharashtra for over a week, Wednesday things settled after the Supreme Court turned down a Shiv Sena plea to stop a floor test ordered by the Governor and subsequently, Uddhav Thackeray quit as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Thackeray announced his decision through Facebook live and in some time, reached the Governor’s house and submitted his resignation.