New Delhi [India], November 26 (HBTV): Union Minister Ramdas Athawale stated on Tuesday that Devendra Fadnavis should lead the Mahayuti government as Chief Minister of Maharashtra, claiming that the people of the state want him in the role. He suggested that Eknath Shinde could either serve as Deputy Chief Minister or join the Modi-led Union Cabinet.

Athawale’s remarks come after Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde resigned as Maharashtra Chief Minister earlier today and was appointed caretaker CM until a new government is formed. However, the Mahayuti alliance has yet to finalize who will lead the state.

The Republican Party of India (Athawale) president acknowledged reports of Shinde's dissatisfaction upon learning that the BJP high command had reportedly decided on Fadnavis as the next Chief Minister.

‘When Eknath Shinde came to know that the BJP high command has finalized Devendra Fadnavis as the CM, he became a bit unhappy, which I can understand. However, the BJP has 132 seats, so they should pave the way for Devendra Fadnavis to become CM. Shinde could be made a Union Minister,’ Athawale said.

He proposed that Shinde assume the role of Deputy Chief Minister if he declines a position in the central cabinet. ‘The people of Maharashtra want Devendra Fadnavis as the CM,’ Athawale added.

Athawale urged the BJP high command to make a swift decision after consulting with key leaders, including Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar.   

(ANI)