On a day of unexpected chain of dramatic developments, Shiv Sena’s rebel leader Eknath Shinde was sworn in as Maharashtra’s chief minister and BJP stalwart Devendra Fadnavis as his deputy.
Fadnavis took oath as the deputy chief minister hours after he renounced a position in the government but assured help to Shinde and the new team - becoming a sort of 'kingmaker' after ousting the two-and-a-half-year-old Maha Vikas Aghadi government.
It is clear that Shinde, backed by Fadnavis, had cornered Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray, which forced him to resign as CM leading to the collapse of the MVA government. Fadnavis had finally got his revenge.
BJP President J P Nadda’s call to Fadnavis, asking him to be deputy CM, came as a bolt from the blue, however. Fadnavis was told clearly that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah wanted him to join the Shinde-led government.
The BJP managed to deliver a message across India that the party was bigger than individuals and it was a way to ensure that the alliance government remained stable and completed its remaining term.
And Fadnavis in the government, probably with a good portfolio like Home or Revenue, will be able to keep Shinde and the rebels in check.
The government has a strength of 165-170 in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (much above the magic figure of 144) but there is still a small chance that the rebels could be lured back to the main Shiv Sena party. The rebels, including Shinde, are also yet to face the Supreme Court test on the issue of disqualification.
“BJP's central leadership has decided that Fadnavis should become part of the government. So, I made a personal request to him. The central leadership has said that Fadnvais should take charge as Deputy CM of Maharashtra to which he agreed,” said Nadda.
From Fadnavis's body language, it was clear that he was upset and had reluctantly agreed to take up the new assignment, which is lower than his stature.
With this kind of an arrangement, the Shinde-Fadnavis duo will face a major challenge in selecting the council of ministers and keeping everyone in good spirits.
Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari administered the oath of office and secrecy to Shinde (58), and Fadnavis (51).
An ardent follower of late Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray, Shinde is a protege of 'Dharmaveer' Anand Dighe.
With an RSS background and a five-time BJP MLA from Nagpur, Fadnavis is a two-time chief minister and former Opposition leader.
"This is the victory of the Hindutva ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray and ideals of 'Dharmaveer' Anand Dighe," said Shinde after taking over the top job. "Our government will work in the interest of the general people and for the development of the state."