Will Eknath Shinde continue as Maharashtra CM? Devendra Fadnavis, other senior BJP leaders say this

livemint.com:

Sanjay Raut has suggested that Eknath Shinde, the current Chief Minister of Maharashtra, may be replaced in the near future. This speculation arises following the decision of Ajit Pawar, a prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), along with eight other MLAs, to join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. Reacting to this Maharashtra Minister Shambhuraj Desai came out in support of CM Eknath Shinde and said that no leader is unhappy and has full faith in Eknath Shinde's leadership.

"There is no question of the resignation of CM Eknath Shinde. We have the support of more than 200 MLAs. No leader is unhappy and all have faith in Eknath Shinde's leadership," he said.

On July 2, the Shiv Sena-affiliated publication 'Saamana' reported that Eknath Shinde, along with 16 MLAs who had separated from the Shiv Sena nearly a year ago, could face "disqualification" according to constitutional provisions. "Ajit Pawar has created a record by taking oath as Deputy Chief Minister, but this time the 'deal' has been finalised. Pawar didn't just go for the deputy chief minister's post.

Soon, as per the constitution, Eknath Shinde and his rebel MLAs will be disqualified and Ajit Pawar will be coronated," read the Shiv Sena UBT mouthpiece. In a stunning turn of events with far-reaching implications for both Maharashtra politics and the national political landscape, Ajit Pawar made a surprise decision to join the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance. Taking everyone by surprise, the prominent leader of the NCP was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on July 2.  (With ANI inputs)