In a dramatic turn of events, BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday took oath as the chief minister of Maharashtra while the NCP’s Ajit Pawar was sworn in as deputy chief minister by Governor BS Koshyari in Mumbai.

Fadnavis who took oath as chief minister for the second time, said that BJP-Shiv Sena alliance had a clear mandate of the people but the Sena’s discussions with other parties regarding government formation was not expected.

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‘People had given us a clear mandate, but Shiv Sena tried to ally with other parties after results, as a result President’s rule was imposed. Maharashtra needed a stable govt not a ‘khichdi’ govt,’ ANI quoted Fadnavis as saying after he was sworn in.

I took this decision as the discussions of the alliance of the three parties Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena was not ending. There was a need to give a stable government in Maharashtra,’ said Pawar, nephew of NCP chief Sharad Pawar.

It is not yet clear whether Ajit Pawar has split the NCP or he has the backing of his uncle and the entire party.

Sharad Pawar had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi day on Thursday for 40 minutes in Delhi.

‘There was a need to form a stable government in Maharashtra. I want to thank Ajit Pawar for giving us this support. Along with Pawar there are section of MLAs and other independent legislators who are supporting us. We will now prove our majority on the floor of the house,’ said Fadnavis after taking oath.

‘The mandate of the people was for BJP-Sena but since the latter insulted this mandate we took this decision,’ he said.

‘Congratulations to @Dev_Fadnavis Ji and @AjitPawarSpeaks Ji on taking oath as the CM and Deputy CM of Maharashtra respectively. I am confident they will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra,’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.

Read more – THE NEXT MAHARASHTRA CM (SPEAKER POST)