Eknath Shinde Will Never Become CM Again: Sanjay Raut

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has predicted that Eknath Shinde will never become Chief Minister again.

His comments come as Devendra Fadnavis is set to take oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Speaking to ANI, he said, "Shinde era is over, it was just for two years. His usage is now over and he has been tossed aside. Shinde will never be the CM of this state again. They (BJP) can even break Shinde's party, this has always been BJP's line in politics. They break and finish the party of those who work with them," Raut said.

In the recently-concluded elections, the Mahayuti alliance sprung a surprise by winning 230 in the 288-member assembly. Eknath Shinde was the CM for the last two years but the BJP, which has won 132 seats on its own, has decided to make Fadnavis the CM, replacing Shinde.

Although Shinde exerted pressure, the BJP high command was firm on retaining the CM post.

Sanjay Raut slammed the Mahayuti over delay in announcing the CM name despite getting clear majority and claimed that all in not well in the alliance.

"Devendra Fadnavis will be the CM of the state from today. He has the majority but despite that, they were unable to form the Government for 15 days - it means that there is something wrong within their party or Mahayuti. This issue will start showing from tomorrow," the news agency quoted him as saying.

Fadnavis will take oath as the Chief Minister at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and other top BJP leaders are likely to be part of the swearing-in ceremony.

However, the UBT faction of Shiv Sena bagged 20 seats in the Maharashtra polls. The Sharad Pawar's NCP secured 10 and the Congress won 20 seats.