Shinde room to manoeuvre shrinks in game of nerves

CM KAUN? RPI's Athawale also comes out in support of Fadnavis

The tenure of the 14th State Assembly ended on Tuesday and incumbent Eknath Shinde has resigned as Chief Minister.

But the BJP is yet to take a final call on who will get the top post and the party continues to play its cards close to its chest. However, sources indicated that the sentiments of the party workers will be taken into consideration -- a big hint that seemed to point to Devendra Fadnavis.

Also, in what is seen as an attempt to foreclose Shinde's options, union minister and Republican Party of India president Ramdas Athawale on Tuesday came out in support of Devendra Fadnavis as the next chief minister. "The Maharashtra dispute should end soon...The BJP high command has decided that Devendra Fadnavis should be made the CM, but Shinde is unhappy and his displeasure needs to be addressed," said Athawale.