Devendra Fadnavis: We do not give importance to what Sanjay Raut said

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday has reportedly stated that the BJP did not accord importance to what Shiv Sena (SS) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said. Since the declaration of results, the latter has been continuously riling BJP with his tweets and remarks. Earlier in the day, Raut took a jibe at Haryana Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala. Fadnavis allegedly took on Saamana, the SS mouthpiece edited by Raut. Maintaining that Saamana was going overboard in its criticism against BJP, he reportedly dared the paper to write in a similar fashion against Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).  

Read: Devendra Fadnavis: 'No 50:50 Formula, I Will Be Maharashtra CM'

BJP to hold CM post for the entire term?

It has been reported that Fadnavis has revealed that while BJP had the support of 10 Independent MLAs, 5 more legislators were expected to back the party in the formation of the government. He also feigned ignorance about any demands put forth by SS. Furthermore, Fadnavis asserted that BJP would lead the ‘Mahayuti’ government for the next 5 years.  

Read: Don't Compel Us To Look For Alternative, Raut Warns Ally BJP

Read: Rakesh Sinha: 'Shiv Sena Is A Different Party With Their Own Views'

On the same occasion, it has been reported that Devendra Fadnavis talked about the BJP securing the support of 10 Independent MLAs. As per sources, he has also mentioned that 5 other legislators were expected to back the party in the formation of the government. Sources added that Fadnavis said that party president Amit Shah would not come to Maharashtra on Wednesday, however, asserted that formal and informal talks with Sena were going on. Furthermore, he feigned ignorance about any demands put forth by Sena. Fadnavis added that any demand would be dealt with on its merit, as per sources. Contending that the 1995 formula was not relevant now, he claimed that the ‘Mahayuti’ government would function for the next 5 years under the leadership of BJP, sources said.

The tussle between BJP and SS

BJP secured 105 seats in the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, while its alliance partner SS could bag only 56 seats. This has led to a tussle between the two parties over the CM post. Since the declaration of results, both BJP and Congress have been welcoming the support of Independents to leverage their individual positions. For instance, the tally of SS has gone up to 61 seats with the support of 5 Independent legislators. On Monday, both parties met the Maharashtra Governor separately. 

Read: Congress Leader: 'People Of Nagpur Have Rejected Fadnavis As CM'