Acting Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday broke his silence over reports that he is upset over the allocation of portfolios in the Mahayuti government, saying his unconditional support is with the Bharatiya Janata Party and he is not upset. Giving a big relief to the ally BJP, he said the name of the chief minister will be decided by the saffron party tomorrow.
While addressing a press conference in his native Satara, the Maharashtra caretaker CM, who was not well due to a fever yesterday, said he is doing well now and his health has been improving.
"I am doing good now. I had come here to rest after the hectic election schedule. I did not take any leave during my 2.5 years as the CM. People are still here to meet me. This is why I fell ill," he added.
Name of the CM will be announced tomorrow: Shinde
"All three allies of the Mahayuti have a good understanding and the CM candidate will be decided tomorrow," he said.
I have already given my unconditional support to the party leadership and I will support their decision, Shinde said.
"Our government's work in the last 2.5 years will be written in golden letters in history. That is why people have given us a historic mandate and did not give the Opposition a chance to elect a leader of Opposition," the Shiv Sena chief added.
On speculation that his son and Lok Sabha member Shrikant Shinde will be the CM, Shinde said talks were on. "One meeting took place in Delhi last week with (Home Minister) Amit Shah and now we three alliance partners will discuss the nitty-gritty of government formation," he said.
"The BJP is yet to announce its legislature party leader. We will fulfil people's aspirations. There are no differences amongst us. We will take a decision in the interest of the people. There is no need to repeat my stand," Shinde added.
Fadnavis dials Shinde to inquire about his health: Sources
Meanwhile, the sources said Fadnavis today dialled Shinde to inquire about his health. Shinde has been in his village in the Satara district for the past three days, and his health fell sick on Saturday.