Eknath Shinde "Is My Boss": Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis After Ad Controversy

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday (28 June) said that he looks at CM Eknath Shinde as his boss and leader of the present government.

The publication of an advertisement citing a survey showing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as the most popular CM among voters, ahead of Devendra Fadnavis has had no effect on their personal relationship Fadnavis emphasized.

Speaking at an Idea Exchange event organised at The Indian Express office, Fadnavis said, “There is no change in dynamics. Our relations are good from the beginning. I think that our relationship is based on mutual respect. I never allow to break his protocol."

"As a Chief Minister, he is my leader and I have to work under him. It is firmly set in my mind. And fortunately, he never shows off that he is my leader or my boss. I think this has been going on with mutual respect. One ad will not damage it,” Fadnavis further said.

When questioned about the potential chief ministerial candidate for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in the upcoming 2024 Assembly elections, Fadnavis clarified that the decision would be made by the BJP parliamentary board.

He remarked, "However, the incumbent Chief Minister always assumes the role of the leader. Ultimately, when the government faces an election, the head of the government remains the head."

Resolving the ongoing conflict between a faction of the BJP cadre and Shrikant Shinde, the Member of Parliament for Kalyan and the son of Maharashtra CM Ekanth Shinde, the Deputy CM said, "The Kalyan seat belongs to the Shiv Sena, and it will be contested by the Shiv Sena."

BJP leaders in Kalyan had asserted their claim over the Kalyan Lok Sabha seat, currently held by Shrikant Shinde, and had even threatened to abstain from supporting his re-election campaign.