New Delhi: Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA Sanjay Shirsat claimed that like Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Sena, the Congress in Maharashtra might also split. “Many Congress MLAs want to leave the party. I've heard that 16-17 MLAs wish to leave, they are waiting to build a majority among themselves. They will take a decision soon, and Congress will also split,” news agency ANI quoted Shirsat as saying.
Refuting all rumours that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde might step down from his post, he said that Shinde will remain the CM, and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis has also clearly said that the next elections will be fought under his leadership.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Congress leader Ashok Chavan denied all claims of him extending support to the BJP and said, “I was there in the (Congress) core committee meeting today and I don't know who is spreading rumours about me. I had some pre-scheduled meetings so I have left for those meetings.”
Shirsat's claims come amid reports of discomfort among the Shiv Sena MLAs after NCP's Ajit Pawar joined the Maharashtra government. "There was no displeasure among our MLAs anywhere (regarding Ajit Pawar's arrival), we all have faith in Eknath Shinde...information about his (Eknath Shinde's) resignation are rumours...All elections will be held under leadership of Eknath Shinde," Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant said.
On Tuesday, the core committee of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena held a meeting to discuss the political situation in Maharashtra.
There has been buzz in Maharashtra that with the inclusion of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP in the government, the BJP wanted to send a message to the Shinde-led party that it was not indispensable.
On Monday, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) claimed NCP leader Ajit Pawar would replace CM Shinde soon.
"Ajit Pawar has a made a record of taking oath as deputy chief minister. This time the 'deal' is strong," an editorial in the Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece 'Saamana' claimed.