Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, who was sworn in as chief minister on Thursday, praised Devendra Fadnavis for his ‘big heart’ in providing him the opportunity to become CM.
“Fadnavis has shown a big heart by giving me the opportunity to become chief minister,” Shinde said. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah among others for reposing confidence in him.
Backed by the BJP, Shinde took oath as the chief minister of Maharashtra with the support of a breakaway faction of Shiv Sena MLAs and Independents. After taking the oath in Mumbai, Shinde returned to Goa at midnight to meet his colleagues who had supported him in rebelling against Uddhav Thackeray.
Interacting with reporters at the Goa Airport, he said Maharashtra could see this day because of his 50 MLAs. “My colleagues and entire Maharashtra is happy that Balasaheb Thackeray’s Shiv Sainik has become the chief minister of the state,” Shinde commented.
Shinde said he will ensure ample developmental work in the constituencies of all the 50 MLAs who supported him. The Shiv Sena leader also said he is well aware of the experience of these legislators during the last two-and-a-half years.said not only his colleagues in the Assembly but also Maharashtra is happy that “Balasaheb Thackeray’s Shiv Sainik has become the chief minister”.
The chief minister said his government will do the works that are expected from them by the people of Maharashtra. Shinde said his government will work to deliver justice to every section of society. “We will also take ahead the vision of Balasaheb Thackeray.”
“We need to live up to the faith of the citizens,” the CM said. Shinde also said that having an experienced hand like Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in the cabinet will help his administration. “Metro and Samruddhi expressway projects should be expedited,” the chief minister said.
Asked about cabinet expansion, he said the future strategy would be discussed in the meeting with his colleagues.
With inputs from News18
Eknath Shinde projects himself as Bal Thackeray’s real heir 