NEW DELHI: Maharashtra govt formation: Mahayuti leaders Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar met with Union home minister Amit Shah late on Thursday here. BJP is set on rehabilitating Fadnavis, something that would right the 'wrong' that was done to him when he was made to pay second fiddle for the party's sake.
But at the same time, Shinde is equally keen to become deputy CM as it would reinforce the message of unity.
Even though the S hiv Sena leader had said that he would abide by the decision of PM Narendra Modi and Shah, BJP wants him to be accommodated. "Besides, having him on its side will also help the party minimise its reliance on Ajit dada," a source reasoned.

Many had said that after being CM, deputy CM may not be something that would appeal to Shinde, sources said. This, however, was never a question in Maharashtra politics, they claimed, and cited Fadnavis, as well as several others, including veterans. They also did away with the idea that having two Marathas as deputies may not bode well with voters. Outgoing team had two Marathas, they pointed out – Shinde and Ajit Pawar.

“I cleared my stand in the press conference yesterday that there are no obstacles regarding CM of Mahayuti. This ‘ladla bhai’ has arrived in Delhi and the ‘ladla bhai’ is a designation higher than anything else for me. A meeting will be held on everything,” Shinde said, reiterating his position amid some of his party colleagues still staking a claim for the top post for their boss.
Recognises the need to appoint BJP CM as the party won as high as 132 seats of 288-member House and that it has also gained five extra MLA support, which puts BJP eight short of the number to reach the majority.
As reported by TOI after declaration of day election results on Nov 23, Ajit Pawar has conveyed his support to Fadnavis thus reducing the manoeuvring space left for Shinde's party. In any case said sources, the allies have already decided on seat distribution before the polls and this was clear.

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Amid speculation on the power-sharing formula in the Mahayuti, Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat on Thursday said Shinde may not take up the deputy CM's post. Shirsat said, according to him, Shinde will remain in Maharashtra politics but may not take up the dy CM's post.

"This will be a big thing. He may not take up dy CM's post. This is my assessment. This offer can be given anytime (by BJP). They are ready, but I think Shinde may not take it up. He may take one portfolio and remain here, but I think he may not take up the dy CM's post," Shirsat said.