Maharashtra minister scotches rumours about CM Eknath Shinde's resignation

Mumbai: Maharashtra Minister and Shiv Sena (Shinde group) leader, Uday Samant, on Thursday scotched rumours of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde resigning from the post, saying that rumours of Shinde tendering his resignation are completely "baseless".

Addressing a press conference at party head office here, he sought to clear the air saying that some people were trying to create misunderstanding in the minds of people and spreading negativity about the Chief Minister's resignation.

“Things that did not happen are being thrown into open for speculations to spread negativity. Eknath Shinde is an able leader and works from pillar to post all over Maharashtra. Even Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule reiterated that these are theories planted by some people and hold no merit,” Samant asserted.

He said that a meeting was conducted with all the Shiv Sena leaders -- MLAs and MPs -- to take stock of the party and what efforts can be taken to strengthen the party at the grassroots level and build a stronger core.

"All members who follow the ideals and vision of Balasaheb were present in the meeting,” he informed.

He claimed that some people were trying to create a rift between the Shiv Sena-BJP-NCP alliance, but they would not succeed in breaking their unity.

"The entry of Ajit Pawar has strengthened our Mahayuti," the minister said.

Samant also rubbished speculations of some Shinde group MLAs joining Sena (UBT), saying that “... There is no question of returning since we already have an able leadership of Eknath Shinde."

"On the contrary, six of their MLAs out of 13 are in touch with me and expressed interest in joining the Shinde faction. They are just trying to boost the morale of whatever is left of the party,” he noted.

Samant also said that their Shiv Sena has absolved itself of the ‘khokhe’ and ‘gaddar’ allegations levelled by Sena UBT, courtesy of the Ajit Pawar's rebellion.

"They were attacking us on a personal level and spewing venom at us. Why did they suddenly stop now? At least, they should learn from NCP president Sharad Pawar who refrained from calling ugly names and maintained decency. The rebellion of Ajit Pawar has put a full stop to those allegations...," he remarked.

Samant also dismissed rumours of Shiv Sena leaders being restless and unhappy after induction of NCP MLAs in the Mahayuti.

“None of our ministers are dejected, those are hearsays which are best avoided. We trust Eknath Shinde and his leadership. He will do due justice and ensure nobody is hurt or misunderstood. Jumping the gun on such an issue is not good. Some are just trying to keep their party going at the cost of naming and framing us,” he added. (UNI)