Maharashtra: Eknath Shinde Set to Step in as Deputy Chief Minister, Shiv Sena Sends Recommendation to Governor
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Mumbai, Dec 5 (NationPress) The uncertainty in Maharashtra came to an end on Thursday when caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced his intention to join the Cabinet led by Devendra Fadnavis as the newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister. The swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place at 5.30 pm at Azad Maidan, with the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The leader of Shiv Sena and senior party legislators Uday Samant, Sanjay Shirsat, and Bharat Gogawale hurried to Varsha to strongly urge Eknath Shinde to assume the role of Deputy Chief Minister.
“By honoring the appeal of Shiv Sena MLAs, Shiv Sainiks, and Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde has consented to take on the Deputy Chief Minister role. We met Fadnavis at his Sagar Bungalow, where he provided a letter recommending Eknath Shinde for the Deputy Chief Minister position. We have submitted this letter to the Governor’s Principal Secretary,” stated Shinde’s close associate and former Industry Minister Uday Samant.
He confirmed that Eknath Shinde would take an oath of office and secrecy as the Deputy Chief Minister.
“There were no obstacles in the process. We all wanted Eknath Shinde to be part of the government. We collectively urged Eknath Shinde for this. Initially, he thought that as the party head, he would travel across Maharashtra to promote party work and allow someone else to take the position. However, we expressed that this was unacceptable. It was the desire of every Shiv Sainik for him to become the Deputy Chief Minister. We are grateful to Eknath Shinde for accepting our request,” remarked Samant.
He clarified that there was a consensus regarding the distribution of portfolios and ministerial positions.
“All three leaders, including Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar, will convene to appropriately discuss the allocation of portfolios or ministerial roles,” he added.
He acknowledged that Eknath Shinde was initially reluctant to become Deputy Chief Minister as he preferred someone from within the Shiv Sena legislators to fill that role.
Former ministers Deepak Kesarkar and Gulabrao Patil echoed Samant’s sentiments, affirming that Eknath Shinde agreed to take on the Deputy Chief Minister position following their appeal.
