Mumbai : The political turmoil, which has been going on for the last 10 days, finally came to an end on Thursday evening, as former Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde took oath as 20th Chief Minister Maharashtra, while Devendra Fadnavis was sworn-in as the Deputy Chief Minister.
Within 24 hours of the resignation of Uddhav Thackeray, Shinde took oath, remembering Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray and Anand Dighe, and in the presence of Shiv Sainiks at Raj Bhavan here.
Meanwhile, BJP leader and former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has been sworn-in as Deputy Chief Minister.
Earlier, Fadnavis had said that he would not join the government, but would support it government from outside.
However, after the Union leaders asked Fadnavis to join the government and accept the post of Deputy Chief Minister, he took the oath of office. BJP national president JP Nadda said it was important for Fadnavis to remain in Maharashtra Cabinet.
Shinde expressed his gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda for giving him this opportunity. He said, “I will provide a strong government and will take decisions, keeping in mind the welfare of the state.”
Shinde added that the dream of former Shiv Sena chief, late Balasaheb Thackeray, came true today with a Shiv Sainik becoming the Chief Minister of the state.
He said the 50 MLAs, who showed confidence in him, their trust will not go in vain. These include 39 Shiv Sena rebel MLAs and 10 independent MLAs. There is a dire need for Uddhav Thackeray to do self-introspection as to why his 50 MLAs left him altogether, he added.
The former Shiv Sena leader, who was instrumental in the fall of Maha Vikas Aghadi government in the state, was provided with ‘Z’ security, due to a wave of anger among the Uddhav Thackeray loyalists over his rebellion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated both the Chief Minister and his Deputy on Twitter.
“I would like to congratulate [email protected] 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,” he tweeted.
“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,” he said in another tweet.
BJP national president JP Nadda, in a series of tweets in Hindi, said “I congratulate Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis. This has been proven now that BJP was never hungry for the Chief Minister’s post. In 2019 elections, (Prime Minister) Narendra Modiji and Devendraji got a clear mandate. However, Uddhav Thackeray, in the greed of Chief Ministership, left us and formed the government with the opposition.
“BJP decided to support Eknath Shinde ji, for the betterment of people of Maharashtra. Fadnavis ji has also decided to join the Cabinet with a big heart, which shows his attachment to the people of Maharashtra. The party has once again proved by taking this decision that we don’t run after plum posts, but our ultimate goal is to serve the country and the people of Maharashtra under the leadership of Narendra Modi ji,” he added.
