CM Shinde Upturned Thackeray Govt. Decision On Controversial Metro Car Shed Project: Source

Mr. Shinde directed Advocate Kumbhakoni to submit in court

After taking his oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde reversed the Uddhav Thackeray government's decision on the controversial Metro car shed project in Mumbai, sources said. The decision comes just hours after he took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister springing a surprise.

According to the sources, Mr. Shinde has directed Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni to submit in court that the Metro car shed will be built at Aarey Colony as planned in 2019 under the Devendra Fadnavis government.

Last year, Mr. Fadnavis, as Leader of Opposition, had said that shifting the project to Kanjurmarg will lead to a major delay in the completion of the work and over-expenditure.

Looking into the situation, the new State Govt. has organised a two-day special session of the Maharashtra legislature will be held from tomorrow during which a new Speaker will be elected, sources said.

Meanwhile, Team Thackeray has asked the Supreme Court to restrict rebel Sena MLAs from participating in assembly proceedings.

BJP's Devendra Fadnavis, who was largely expected to take the top job, took oath as Deputy Chief Minister barely three hours after he said he "will stay out of the government and ensure it runs smoothly".

Taking notes from the Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement, he said, Mr. Fadnavis showed a "big heart" and the decision reflects his true dedication and attitude of service towards Maharashtra.

Moreover, Mr. Shinde thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Fadnavis and other BJP leaders. "It's their magnanimity. They had a bigger mandate, yet they made me the Chief Minister. Who does that?" he said.