MUMBAI, 30 JUNE, 2022 (GPN): Shiv Sena’s rebel leader, Eknath Shinde was sworn in as Chief Minister of Maharashtra at Raj Bhawan at 7.30 pm. Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari presided over the ceremony.

Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister.

Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis, BJP leader had met Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari to stake claim to form the new state government after the Supreme Court declined to stay the floor test called by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari in a special Assembly session on Thursday.

It may be recalled that Uddhav Thackeray had stepped down as Maharashtra chief minister on Wednesday.

“I have no affection for my position or power and I don’t want to continue as CM of the state if people don’t want me to. My people have betrayed me and that hurt me the most instead of enemies”, said Uddhav Thackeray.

Uddhav Thackeray came live on Facebook to address the state at 8:30 pm on Wednesday which was the last time when he addressed the nation. “This might be the last time I am speaking to you as chief minister of the state. I am more than the CM and consider the people of Maharashtra as my family and I am the head of that family. I will continue to serve the state and my people as Shiv Sena leader”, he stated.

Uddhav Thackeray will return to Shiv Sena Bhavan and continue the party’s work. In the live video he also mimicked BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and said “I won’t come back again” like other ministers.

“We continue to serve as a Hindutva ideology party. In this short journey, I would like to thank NCP chief Sharad Pawar and INC chief Sonia Gandhi for their support. I also appreciate the efforts of other MLAs from INC and NCP who have been more loyal to the party than its people”, said Uddhav Thackeray. “Shiv Sena allied with those who are against Hindutva. Shiv Sena has insulted their people”, said Devendra Fadnavis, BJP leader.