Maharashtra: Swearing-in postponed to Oct 31, cabinet to be discussed later

Mumbai, Oct 30: A minority cabinet will be sworn-in on October 31. Earlier it was decided that the swearing-in will be held as per schedule on Oct 30, but it had to be postponed as PM Narendra Modi would not be available for the event.

The ceremony is likely to be held in the Wankhede Stadium and Prime Minister of India.

Inside sources say that negotiations with Shiv Sena will continue after the swearing-in of the mini cabinet. The assembly elections in Maharashtra had clear indications of the changing moods of people. While BJP emerged as the single largest party in the elections, it still was short of 22 seats to attain majority.

However, unlike Shiv Sena's expectations, it is not the only option for BJP to form a government, rival party-Sharad Pawar's NCP has already offered outside support to BJP, which the party has not rejected.

Earlier on Sunday, senior Maharashtra BJP leader Vinod Tawde confirmed that talks are on track and the BJP will hold election of the leader of the legislature party-who will be the chief minister-on Oct 28.

Tawde further added,"We will elect a new legislature party leader at the meeting, in which (Union minister) Rajnath Singh, (state party in-charge) JP Nadda, Om Mathur and Rajeev Rudy will be present."

BJP has been avoiding mentioning any names for the Chief Ministrial post. However, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and state party chief Devendra Fadnavis are said to be on the run, despite the former rejecting the possibility out of choice. Meanwhile, party sources indicate that before naming the chief minister, BJP wished to settle the alliance issue.

Tawde said,"The BJP wants to bring Shiv Sena into the alliance and form the government. If we come together in our minds then we can discuss portfolios etc."

OneIndia News