Adversitement
Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis Rejects Claims of Ajit Pawar Replacing Eknath Shinde as Maharashtra CM
Published On : 2023-07-24T22:30:56+0530 [ IST ] |
Author : Mayur_Tembhare
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File Photo of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde with Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar during a cabinet meeting. ( Image Source : Twitter/@MaharashtraCMO )
Maharashtra / Mumbai :
The political landscape in Maharashtra witnessed a dispute as Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis refuted Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan's assertion that Ajit Pawar, a prominent leader in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), would take over as the state's Chief Minister in August. Fadnavis clarified that there is "clarity" within the ruling coalition that Eknath Shinde is the current Chief Minister and will continue in that role.
Chavan had earlier claimed that a decision regarding the disqualification of Eknath Shinde and 15 other MLAs of Shiv Sena would be made around August 10. He further stated that following the disqualification, Ajit Pawar, the incumbent Deputy Chief Minister, would assume the position of Chief Minister. These speculations have led to a tense atmosphere in the state's political arena.
cm" target="_blank">Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis addressed the media, reiterating the coalition's stance on the matter. He emphasized that when the Maha Yuti alliance was formed, all three parties' leaders were clear that Eknath Shinde is the Chief Minister and will continue to hold that position without any change.
"As the leader of the biggest party of Maha Yuti, I would like to clearly say this — nobody should have any confusion in their mind. If the Opposition tries to create confusion, it means they are indulging in kite flying, and their kite will come down (unki patang kat jayegi)," Fadnavis added, taking a firm stand against the speculations.
Chavan also alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is not keen on contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections under Eknath Shinde's leadership, as he wields little influence outside his home district of Thane. He argued that the BJP now views Ajit Pawar as a suitable alternative.
Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut had previously made similar claims when Ajit Pawar and eight NCP MLAs joined the Shiv Sena-BJP government on July 2. While Ajit Pawar was appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister, the NCP MLAs were sworn in as ministers, with Ajit Pawar also being given the crucial finance department.
Eknath Shinde has maintained that Ajit Pawar's entry into the government does not pose a threat to him, expressing confidence in his position as Chief Minister.
Chavan's statements, based on his analysis of available information, have caused a stir in the political circles. He asserted that the pending anti-defection decision against the Eknath Shinde group in the Maharashtra Assembly would likely be delivered around August 10, potentially leading to a vacancy in the Chief Minister's position.
The situation further escalated when Eknath Shinde visited Prime Minister Narendra Modi, raising eyebrows and sparking speculation about his political future. In response, Eknath Shinde clarified that the visit was a courtesy call, fulfilling his father's wish to meet the Prime Minister.
As tensions mount over the leadership question, the political landscape in Maharashtra remains highly charged, awaiting further developments and official announcements.
NoneTags : Deputy CM , Prithviraj Chavan , Eknath Shinde , Congress , speculation , leadership dispute , Devendra Fadnavis , political tensions , NCP , Chief Minister , Maharashtra , Ajit Pawar ,
Summary : Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has dismissed Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan's claim that Ajit Pawar, a prominent figure in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), will replace Eknath Shinde as the state's Chief Minister in August. Fadnavis stated that there is "clarity" within the ruling coalition that Eknath Shinde is and will remain the Chief Minister. Chavan had previously asserted that a decision on the disqualification of Shinde and other MLAs would be taken around August 10, leading to Ajit Pawar assuming the top post. However, Fadnavis emphasized that there would be no change in the current leadership.
Adversitement