'Independents will withdraw support if Fadnavis is replaced'

Independent MLA Ravi Rana today warned that he and six other independent legislators supporting the BJP-led Maharashtra government would withdraw their support if Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is replaced.

"We have heard that a section of the BJP is contemplating replacing the chief minister. Hence, we want to make our stand clear that our support is to Devendra Fadnavis and if he is replaced, we will withdraw our support to the BJP government," Rana, MLA from Badnera in Amravati district, told PTI.

He said Fadnavis alone was capable of providing reservation to Maratha and Dhangar communities.

"Fadnavis is doing good work for the welfare and development of Maharashtra," Rana said.

Referring to a Shiv Sena leader's statement yesterday that there were talks within the BJP to replace the CM, Rana claimed, "Fadnavis, not Uddhav Thackeray, controls the Shiv Sena."