Maharashtra highlights: Uddhav Thackeray congratulates new CM Eknath Shinde

Shinde, who along with 40 rebel Shiv Sena MLAs camped in Gujarat, Assam and then Goa during the rebellion, triggered a fresh legacy war with the Thackeray family after he named his rebel group as 'Shiv Sena Balasaheb'.

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On who will be opposition leader, Pawar said “We have not discussed this issue so far. In the coming days, we will discuss it.”

Pawar: Had this decision to support Shinde was taken two and half years back, this entire episode wouldn’t have happened.

“I don’t thing Shiv Sena is finished. Previously also Chhagan Bhujbal rebelled but he and his supporters later lost elections. Narayan Rane too later faced defeat. Sena has faced multiple rebellions,” says NCP chief.

Uddhav Thackeray had given entire responsibility of legislative proceedings to Eknath Shinde. Not sure if the outcome (Shinde’s rebellion) was due to this, says Pawar.

On Fadnavis as Dy CM, Pawar says his face was reflective that Fadnavis was not very happy. But as RSS Swayamsevak, he must have followed orders from the top.

“Those who went to Assam with Shinde were hoping that their leader will become Dy CM. I think Even Shinde wasn't aware of the top post being offered to him. In BJP, once the order comes –either from Delhi or Nagpur – it is followed without any compromise,” says Sharad Pawar.

“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,” tweets PM Modi.

“I would like to congratulate Shri @mieknathshinde Ji 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,” tweets PM Modi.

“This is the victory of the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray and 'Dharmaveer' Anand Dighe. Our government will work in the interest of the general people and for the development of the state,” says Eknath Shinde after taking oath.

In videos doing rounds on the internet, the Shinde supporters can be seen rejoicing on their leader's elevation to the top post.

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Supporters of Maharashtra CM-designate Eknath Shinde celebrate in Nashik following his name being announced as the Chief Minister of the state.

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“Mr. Congratulations to Eknath Shinde on his election as the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra! Sincerely hope that the interests of Maharashtra will be safeguarded by him,” tweets NCP chief Sharad Pawar.

After being named as the new chief minister of Maharashtra, Shinde took to Twitter to thank PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP party president JP Nadda and ‘his friend and colleague’ Devendra Fadnavis.

Maharashtra chief minister-designate Eknath Shinde said he had been apprising then chief minister UddhavThackeray about the issues the MLAs were facing from time to time, but no attention was paid to it.

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The Thane police are keeping a close watch on the activity on social media to avoid any incidents of violence, people familiar with the matter said.

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As Eknath Shinde was announced to be the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shiv Sainiks exchanged sweets outside his residence in Thane and sweetened Shinde's photo and expressed happiness.

"It was the decision taken by Devendra Fadnavis to make Balasaheb's Shiv Sainik the CM despite the BJP having more MLAs," says Eknath Shinde.

I had been apprising CM Thackeray about the issues the MLAs were facing time to time. There was no attention paid to it: Eknath Shinde.