Kochi: With the exit of Shiv Sena-led government, the stage is set for formation of a government reportedly led by Devendra Fadnavis in Maharashtra.
The leader of the rebel Shiv Sena group, Eknath Shinde, is likely to be the number two in the government.
The change of government was necessitated as the outgoing Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray lost majority in the house owing to a major section of Shiv Sena ditching him along with some independents.
Despite having support of the NCP and the Congress, the Udhav government shrunk into a minority and quit before proving strength in the house on Thursday.
Udhav’s appeal before the Supreme Court seeking more time for the floor test was rejected by the Apex Court.
Fadnavis was Chief Minister twice earlier in 2014 and then in 2019. Second time his leadership lasted only for 80 hours as the Shiv Sena fell out with the BJP and formed government backed by the Congress and the NCP.
Shinde is a close associate of Fadnavis who is reported to be making efforts to make the rebel group enroll in BJP.
Stage set for BJP government
