Maharashtra ex-Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis played a crucial role in the negotiations with the rebel MLAs of Shiv Sena. Eknath Shinde took the oath as the new Chief Minister of the state recently after Uddhav Thackeray stepped down as the Chief Minister before facing the floor test. There were reports that Devendra Fadnavis will be the new Chief Minister but Eknath Shinde took the oath. Devendra Fadnavis was named as the Deputy Chief Minister of the state and he accepted the post on Saturday. Close sources said that it was Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who convinced Devendra Fadnavis to take up the post.

Close sources of ANI told that Narendra Modi called Devendra Fadnavis twice after which the decision was made. BJP Chief JP Nadda along with Union Home Minister Amit Shah too called Devendra Fadnavis and suggested him to take up the post. Eknath Shinde announced that he would take up the floor test on July 4th and he claimed that he has the support of 170 MLAs. He said that he would pass the test comfortably. Viddhan Sabha session will take place for two days after which the Speaker's election will take place. The rest of the rebel MLAs who are residing in Goa will return back to Mumbai this evening.

By Siva Kumar