Fadnavis will be part of new Maharashtra Cabinet, says BJP chief Nadda

BJP president JP Nadda on Thursday said that Devendra Fadnavis would be part of the new Maharashtra Cabinet led by rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, minutes after Fadnavis announced he will not be in the government.

Fadnavis is likely to be the new deputy chief minister.

Fadnavis had sprang a surprise when he announced that Shinde will be the next chief minister. His announcement defied expectations that he would return to the post with the support of the Shinde faction.

The BJP will extend support to Shinde's group, said Fadnavis, a former chief minister and currently Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, while adding that he would be out of government but will ensure its smooth functioning.

However, soon Nadda tweeted that Fadnavis will be part of the government