Maharashtra twist: BJP anoints Eknath Shinde CM, makes Devendra Fadnavis his deputy

In a day of dramatic twists, Shinde, who led a massive coup in the Sena, was sworn in as chief minister after he staked claim to form the government with BJP, and 51-year-old Fadnavis as his deputy. Sources said the BJP leadership expects Fadnavis will be able to monitor Shinde’s activities and work towards the party’s objectives. “It was felt that if Fadnavis is not made deputy CM, it would result in a complete free hand for Shinde,” a senior leader said.