"Devendra Fadnavis Showed A Big Heart, I Thank Him," Says Eknath Shinde
NDTV
"Nobody lets go even the post of Panchayat head," he said, with Mr Fadnavis by his side after the big unprecedented announcement.
Rebel Shiv Sena leader and soon-to-be Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde today thanked BJP's Devendra Fadnavis saying he could have become Chief Minister going by the numbers but "he showed a big heart".
"Nobody lets go even the post of Panchayat head," he said, with Mr Fadnavis by his side after the big unprecedented announcement. "I will not betray the faith Fadnavis has placed in me," Mr Shinde told the media.
Mr Fadnavis made the surprise announcement hours before the rushed swearing-in. He also claimed that he would not be part of the government himself but will offer support from outside.
"I will stay out of the government and ensure it runs smoothly," Mr Fadnavis said, announcing that Mr Shinde will be sworn in at 7:30 pm. No other minister will take oath today, the BJP leader said. The BJP will extend support to Shinde's group.