Government should not fall, can make Eknath Shinde as Chief Minister, Sharad Pawar's conciliatory move in Maharashtra, had discussions with Uddhav Thackeray

MUMBAI:NCP president Sharad Pawar on Monday called for a conciliatory move to resolve the political crisis in Maharashtra. There are indications that Pawar has suggested that Shiv Sena rebel leader Eknath Shinde to become the chief minister if the government does not want to fall. Pawar discussed the issue with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. It is reported that Pawar asked Uddhav to protect the government at any cost. Pawar came up with this new move when he became sure that the government would fall.

Meanwhile, the rebel MLAs announced Eknath Shinde as the legislative party head. Shinde claims to have the support of 46 MLAs, including independent MLAs. The MLAs submitted letters of support to the Governor and the Deputy Speaker. Shinde wants Shiv Sena to drop the Mahavikas Aghadi alliance and form government with BJP.