Shiv Sena 'forgets' to greet Devendra Fadnavis!

Mumbai, Oct 29: A day after the BJP anointed Devendra Fadnavis as chief minister-designate of Maharashtra, its former saffron ally Shiv Sena apparently remained cool to the development.

Even as greetings, congratulations and felicitations pour in for Fadnavis from all over the country and on social networking sites, the Shiv Sena has not officially commented on the CM-designate.

Barring regular news items in the two party mouthpieces - Saamana and Dopahar ka Saamana - no top Sena leader or party office-bearer has bothered to greet or congratulate Fadnavis who will be sworn in here as the 27th chief minister Oct 31.

So far, no Sena leaders have telephoned even in their personal capacity Fadnavis or other BJP leaders offering their best wishes to the CM-designate, a party leader confirmed, requesting anonymity.

Two days ago, the Sena had announced its willingness to support anyone selected by the BJP as the chief minister if he worked in the interests of Maharashtra's unity and integrity.

It had speculated on the name of Fadnavis and said the Sena would support 'whoever' from the BJP takes over the reins of the state.

The party has also not made up its mind whether it will join the government or sit in the opposition, according to sources.

"So far, the BJP has not sent any proposal for seeking our support or joining the government ...Support has to be sought, it can't just be given .... Depending on the next development, the party will take an appropriate decision," said the Sena leader.

Commenting on the issue Wednesday, party spokesperson Neelam Gorhe said that the Sena will take a decision which will be in the best interest of the state.

After the first Shiv Sena-BJP coalition of 1995-1999, Fadnavis, 44, will head the first BJP government in the state, will lead the second non-Congress government in the state's history and shall be the second Brahmin and second youngest chief minister of Maharashtra.

IANS