After Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde left the decision of the CM post to the BJP, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske stated on Wednesday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had supported them, and they would reciprocate by backing whoever the BJP chose as the Chief Minister.
Speaking to ANI, Mhaske emphasised that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah dedicated their "valuable time" to the Maharashtra elections. "PM Modi, Union HM Amit Shah, and BJP's national president JP Nadda--leaders of the Mahayuti alliance--are also our leaders, and whatever decision they take regarding the Chief Minister will be accepted by all of us. They have stood by us, and we will do the same for whoever they decide to be the CM. PM Modi and HM Amit Shah gave their valuable time during the Maharashtra elections, and the victory we achieved is partly due to their party's efforts and hard work," said the Shiv Sena MP. Earlier today, Eknath Shinde said he would abide by whatever decision Prime Minister Narendra Modi took regarding the Chief Minister's post. He added that Shiv Sainiks would support whoever is elected as Chief Minister by the Mahayuti alliance. "I have told the Prime Minister that if my presence creates any obstacle in forming the government in Maharashtra, there should be no hesitation in making a decision. Whatever decision you take will be acceptable to me," Shinde said during a press conference in Mumbai. Meanwhile, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis asserted on Wednesday that the Mahayuti alliance had no internal differences and that a decision on the Chief Minister would be made soon after consulting with leaders. Speaking to the media, Fadnavis said, "In our Mahayuti alliance, there has never been a difference of opinion. We have always made decisions collectively. Before the elections, we announced that the decision regarding the Chief Minister's post would be taken collectively after the results. A few people had doubts, but Eknath Shinde ji has clarified those today. We will soon meet our leaders and finalise the decision." (ANI)
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