Eknath Shinde takes charge as Maharashtra CM at Mantralaya

Bal Thackeray, Anand Dighe’s photos in rebel Shiv Sena leader’s office

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde speaks during a special session of Maharashtra Assembly, at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai, on July 3, 2022. | Photo Credit: PTI

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde officially took charge of his post at the State secretariat Mantralaya on Thursday.

A puja was held at the tastefully decorated office of the Chief Minister before Mr. Shinde took charge. His chamber had a large photograph of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray and a picture of Mr. Shinde's mentor Anand Dighe next to it.

As soon as he entered the secretariat building, Mr. Shinde paid floral tributes to Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde arrives at the State secretariat Mantralaya in Mumbai. Video: Special Arrangement

Speaking to reporters, Deepak Kesarkar, spokesperson of the Shinde-led faction of MLAs, said Bal Thackeray was nobody's property.

"Balasaheb belongs to the entire State and nobody can change this fact," he said, when asked about the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction's objection to the use of the late Sena founder's name and photograph by the Shinde group.

Targeting Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, Mr. Kesarkar said, "Mr. Raut is closer to Sharad Pawar, I don't know about Uddhavji. When I realised that the Shiv Sena is facing problems in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA- comprising the Sena, NCP and Congress), I tried to convince Uddhavji. I have never met him for a ministerial post." "In 2014, he had told me he was unable to make me a Cabinet Minister because he had to give first priority to Sena leaders who had worked with Balasaheb. That is why I respect Uddhavji," he said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde with supporters at the State secretariat Mantralaya in Mumbai. Screengarb photo: Special Arrangement

Mr. Kesarkar also criticised the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena's decision to replace Bhavana Gawali as the party's chief whip in the Lok Sabha.

"With such an action, you are insulting women. She is a five-time MP, who has held the Shiv Sena flag high," he said.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led faction on Wednesday nominated Rajan Vichare as the party's chief whip in the Lok Sabha, replacing Gawali.