Speaking to ANI, Athawale said, "They have a right to go to Supreme Court. I want to say that the Governor has the right to call the party and ask it to form the government. He has given a date to Fadnavis to prove majority. I have confidence that Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar of NCP will be able to prove the majority and Fadnavis government will run for five years."
"When the BJP has refused to form the government then they Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress should have formed the government but it did not happen. For Maharashtra's benefit Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar joined hands and took the oath," he said.
The Supreme Court on Sunday issued notices to the Maharashtra government and the Centre, asking to place before it the letters of the Governor recommending revocation of President's Rule and inviting Devendra Fadnavis to form government.
On being asked what could be the top court's decision on the joint plea, Athawale said, "Supreme Court might say that the Governor has the right and he has given date and if you have a majority then you should prove it by then. But I have confidence that Fadnavis will be able to prove majority and MLAs will support Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar."
The ongoing political drama in Maharshtra saw a shocking turn of events when BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday early morning took oath as the state Chief Minister, while Ajit Pawar as his deputy chief minister.
Earlier in the day, BJP leader Ashish Shelar had said that Fadnavis will provide a stable and strong government, adding that his goverment will prove majority as Fadnavis has the support of more than 170 MLAs.
"With Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar having taken oath, there is a sense of happiness and positivity among people," he said.
"Fadnavis has the support of more than 170 MLAs and the BJP government will prove majority on the floor of the House," he said.
Hitting out at the Shiv Sena, he quipped, "What is done in the cover of darkness is going to meet Congress leader Ahmed Patel in a car which had black-tinted glass."