"I see it as a solution, not a problem": Maharashtra Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis on seen as chief minister
Oct 27, 2024
New Delhi [India], October 27 : Ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said that people seeing him as a Chief Minister is a solution, not a problem, adding that it does not mean that he will be becoming the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
"In a lighter mode, I want to say that, when you gave me the introduction, you said that Devendra ji log aapko CM samjhte hai yeh logo ki samasya hai, I see it as a solution, not a problem. This doesn't mean I am saying that I am going to become the CM. Just want to say don't take it as a problem," Fadnavis said and laughed during the NDTV Marathi's election conclave.
He further said that the ruling Mahayuti does not need to announce the candidate for the chief ministerial post, as Eknath Shinde is the incumbent Chief Minister.
"Who will become Chief Minister is announced after the elections. We are three major parties, CM Eknath Shinde is chief of Shiv Sena, Ajit Pawar is chief of NCP and our (BJP) Parliamentary board will decide who will be the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. But we are not worried because we have our Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde who is leading our government. Eknath Shinde's government is already in the ground," he added.
Taking a dig at the opposition, Fadnavis said, "Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is not announcing CM face as they don't think their CM can come after elections."
"We (Mahayuti) are not confused or worried, the problem is with the MVA. The people should ask them (MVA) who will be their CM face. The question of CM face is for them (MVA) not for Mahayuti," Fadnavis said in NDTV Marathi's election conclave," he said.
The main electoral contest is between two alliances; the ruling Mahayuti alliance - comprising of the BJP along with Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and Ajit Pawar-led NCP and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) - comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress. Both the factions have intensified their preparations as the polling dates draw near.
Maharashtra assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with the counting for all 288 assembly constituencies to be held on November 23.
In the 2019 assembly elections in Maharashtra, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress won 44 seats.
