Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday disapproved the Shiv Sena’s decision to boycott the NDA Government’s swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi, by saying that the party should have reposed confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had invited its Rajya Sabha member Anil Desai to take oath of ministerial office at the ceremony.
Talking to media persons here in the evening, Fadnavis said it was rather “unfortunate” that Desai had chosen to return to Mumbai from New Delhi airport itself, without oath of office as a Minister. “Since the Prime Minister had himself invited Desai to take oath of office as a Minister, it would have been appropriate if the Sena had shown confidence in Modiji that he would look into their demands,” Fadnavis said.
On the Sena’s pre-conditions to join the BJP-led government, Fadnavis said, “The Shiv Sena has raised some issues with regard to it joining our Government. let us discuss the issues first and not portfolios, number of Ministries and other posts,” he said. Meanwhile, the stage is set for the start of a special three-day session of the Maharashtra Assembly on Monday.
Ahead of the start of the session, Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao will administer Oath of Office to senior MlA Jeeva Pandu Gavit as Pro-tem Speaker of the House, at Raj Bhavan at 10 am on Monday. Gavit will in turn administer oath to newly-elected MlAs during the first to days. On November 12, election to the Speaker will be held. After Speaker’s election, the BJP will seek vote of confidence on November 12 itself.