Mumbai: In an important development regarding government formation in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena said on Monday that they would support Bharatiya Janata Party's decision on Chief Minister of the state.
Shiv Sena in its mouthpiece 'Saamna' has written that whether it was Nitin Gadkari or Devendra Fadnavis, the party would support the leader who takes Maharashtra forward.
The article also said that the Shiv Sena wants the state to have 'Shiv Rajya' and inspirational leadership.
Meanwhile, BJP's Maharashtra legislative party is scheduled to meet soon to formally elect the next CM of the state.
BJP's central observers Rajnath Singh and JP Nadda are likely to attend the meet. The swearing-in ceremony may take place on October 30 at Wankhede stadium.
As per reports no concrete talks took place between the Shiv Sena and the BJP over government formation in Maharashtra at PM Narendra Modi's tea party for NDA MPs yesterday.
The PM had hosted a high tea for all NDA MPs - the first such event after the BJP-led alliance stormed to power in May - and utilised the occasion to ask them to be a symbol of positive political entity.
All Shiv Sena MPs were also present, including Union Heavy Industries Minister Anant Geete.
Geete told PTI that all Shiv Sena MPs were there at the PM's "official" tea party.
"No political discussions took place during the meeting. It was purely an official function," he said.
It is being said that the Shiv Sena are eyeing the PWD and Revenue ministries amongst others.
The name of Fadnavis has been doing the rounds as the frontrunner for the chief minister's post.
Union Transport Minister Gadkari's name too has been in the fray though he himself has said that he was not keen to return to Maharashtra.
Sharad Pawar's NCP had offered unconditional outside support to the BJP soon after the results of the state Assembly was declared.
In a related event, newly elected BJP MLA from Mukhed in Nanded district Govind Rathod died following a heart attack. Rathod was on his way to Mumbai by Devgiri Express when he was taken ill last night, party sources said. With Rathod's passing away, the strength of BJP in the 13th Assembly is 121.
