'Pradhan Mantri Ke Ek Call Ne Mera Nazariya Badal Dia' - Maha CM Devendra Fadnavis EXCLUSIVE

Newly sworn-in Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Friday, cleared the air about the decision to accept the position of Deputy CM in the previous Mahayuti Government. Speaking exclusively to Republic Media Network's senior editor Shawan Sen, Fadnavis - in his first mega interview as the new Maharashtra CM - said that PM Narendra Modi 's 'one call' changed his entire perspective (in deciding to become a Deputy CM after having held the top post of CM in the first term).

The decision to become Deputy CM was the right one, Fadnavis said, putting to rest the years-old speculations regarding his party's move to back the former Eknath Shinde government in Maharashtra as Deputy CM despite holding more seats.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis MEGA EXCLUSIVE - Watch Interview | Republic

The Maharashtra leader further added that his experience of taking a back seat during the previous Mahayuti government came in handy while convincing Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde to become deputy CM in the current administration. "I told Eknath Shinde also that the head of the party has to be in the government. You cannot run a government by sitting outside," Fadnavis told Republic.

Elaborating that Shinde was in two minds about taking oath as Deputy CM after having worked as the CM of Maharashtra, Fadnavis said - “I have personal relations with him. He was in two minds. I told them with my personal experience that he should go with what people thought. The government should run and the party should also work."

Devendra Fadnavis On PM Narendra Modi

On a personal note, Fadnavis said that PM Narendra Modi is ‘not just a political leader’ but a ‘guardian’. “I believe PM Modi is not just a political leader. He is more like a guardian...He scolds us when we make mistakes. When we do something good, he mentions it...He always tries to keep you on track…” Fadnavis said.