Maharashtra Politics: Sanjay Raut Predicts Ajit Pawar To Replace Eknath Shinde As CM (WATCH)

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut has claimed that Eknath Shinde will be eased out as Chief Minister very soon. He told reporters that Ajit Pawar, who was sworn-in as deputy CM on Sunday, will replace Shinde.

"I am saying this in front of television cameras," he added for good measure. He said the BJP joined hands with Ajit Pawar only to marginalise Shinde and his team.

"The 16 MLAs with Eknath Shinde will be disqualified soon as per the Supreme Court's order. This is the reason why Ajit and others have been inducted," Raut claimed, a day after NCP's Ajit Pawar and eight other NCP leaders joined the Maharashtra government as ministers.

Sanjay Raut targets BJP

Raut alleged that the BJP was breaking opposition parties and those who were accused of corruption by Prime Minister Modi, took the oath as ministers in the Eknath Shinde-Devendra Fadnavis government.

However, Shinde pooh-poohed those who "routinely predict" the fall of his government.

"From day one, opposition parties have been predicting the fall of my government. I wonder which astrologer is giving them such advice," he said.

An editorial in the Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece 'Saamana' on Monday claimed that the BJP had not only spoilt the politics of Maharashtra, but also of the country.

Meanwhile, posters have come up in Shivaji Park urging MNS leader Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to join hands.