Union Minister and Republican Party of India-Athawale (RPI-A) chief Ramdas Athawale on Monday claimed that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis is likely to become next Chief Minister of the state as Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar extended his support.
After meeting Fadnavis at his residence, Athawale said the decision on the Chief Minister's post would be finalised within the next two to three days. He also revealed that the oath-taking ceremony would soon follow and assured that the RPI-A would secure a Cabinet berth.
"In my discussion with Fadnavis, I was informed that the Cabinet formation will be decided shortly, and the oath-taking ceremony will take place in the next two to three days. I have been assured that the RPI-A will also be allocated a ministry in the Cabinet," Athawale told IANS.
The Union Minister claimed confidence in Fadnavis's leadership, asserting, "Devendra Fadnavis will be chosen as the next Chief Minister. The BJP has got 132 seats. Ajit Pawar also extended the support of 41 seats to Devendra Fadnavis. Discussions with Eknath Shinde are still under way".
Athawale further stated Eknath Shinde, who helped Shiv Sena win 58 seats, should be accorded a central position, whereas Shiv Sena must be given the seat of one Deputy Chief Minister.
"Not a negligible contribution, 57 seats, and good developmental work in the last 2.5 years, we respect his efforts," he added.
In the recently concluded Maharashtra Assembly elections, BJP emerged as the single-largest party, securing 132 seats, followed by Shiv Sena led by Shinde with 57 and NCP led by Ajit Pawar with 41. Together, the alliance between MahaYuti has created a record win of 230 out of 288 seats.
The BJP thus broke its previous records of 105 from 2019 and 122 from 2014, further consolidating its claim for the Chief Minister's post. Fadnavis remains the frontrunner, with broad support from the alliance.
However, Fadnavis has said, "Leaders of the three parties will sit together and decide on the chief ministership. This outcome is simply incredible and unprecedented. People have voted for us wholeheartedly, and we are grateful for their trust."
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