Eknath Shinde will be new CM of Maharashtra: Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai: Shiv Sena rebel leader Eknath Shinde will be the new Maharashtra Chief Minister, former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Thursday.

Addressing a joint press conference here with Shinde, the BJP leader said Shinde will take the oath at 7:30 pm this evening.

Once again, a government having Hindutvawadi thought process will be formed in the state, which will take forward the vision of the Prime Minister, added Fadnavis.

However, Fadnavis said he will be not part of the new Maharashtra Cabinet. He said he will guide the state government.

Eknath expressed his gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for giving him this opportunity.

He said, "I will provide a strong government and will take decisions, keeping in mind the welfare of the state."

Shinde added that the dream of Shiv Sena chief, late Balasaheb Thackeray, came true today with a Shiv Sainik becoming the Chief Minister of the state. (UNI)