MUMBAI: A triumphant Eknath Shinde arrived for the swearing-in ceremony with his infant grandson in his arms and took oath after invoking Sena founder Bal Thackeray and his mentor Anand Dighe. By contrast, Devendra Fadnavis looked visibly uncomfortable.
“It is the large-heartedness of Fadnavis to give up the chief minister’s post for one of Balasaheb’s Shiv Sainiks although BJP has the support of 120 MLAs,” said Shinde, who claims the support of 50 MLAs. He said this was a “historic moment” and was not motivated by posts or ambition. “We will take Balasaheb’s Hindutva forward. Decisions on such issues were delayed in the MVA government,” he said. The alliance also has the support of 16 smaller parties and Independent MLAs.
