Power of PM Modi, Amit Shah behind me: Eknath Shinde on ‘discontent’ within Shiv Sena camp

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Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah is behind him and the alliance government in Maharashtra is only getting stronger with Ajit Pawar’s joining. “Our government is only getting stronger. I have [the] power of PM Modi and Amit Shah behind me," said Eknath Shinde, adding, “Our government has become even stronger with the joining of Ajit Pawar." Eknath Shinde said nobody in Shiv Sena was unhappy over NCP leader Ajit Pawar’s inclusion in the state ministry.

Some Shiv Sena legislators had apparently raised concerns after the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar joined the state government. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Vinayak Raut has also claimed that MLAs from the Shiv Sena-led by Eknath Shinde have started revolting after NCP leader Ajit Pawar along with eight other party MLAs joined the state government. Some MLAs [from the Eknath Shinde bloc] have been sending messages that they want to "seek forgiveness from 'Matoshree'," the Lok Sabha member further claimed.

Vinayak Raut said many MLAs from the Shiv Sena have said if 'Matoshree' approaches them, then they will reply "positively". “The day Ajit Dada (Pawar) joined the government, the MLAs from the Shinde group began revolting. Many MLAs from western Maharashtra, north Maharashtra and Marathwada are sending messages that they want to seek forgiveness from 'Matoshree' and go there," Vinayak Raut further claimed.

Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar’s remark that he wants to be the CM has created a flutter in political circles. Addressing a gathering of his supporters in a show of strength, Ajit Pawar said, “I became Deputy CM five times. It is a record but I am stuck at Deputy chief minister only.