Don't link RSS chief to Maharashtra govt formation: Nitin Gadkari

NAGPUR: Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat shouldn't be linked to the government formation moves in Maharashtra.
Speaking to reporters here, the BJP leader also ruled out his returning to the state to assume the top job.
"Devendra Fadnavis will head the new government," he said, adding a decision will be taken soon to resolve the impasse over government formation in his home state.
"It won't be appropriate to link the RSS chief to the goings on (over government formation)," he said.
The BJP and Shiv Sena have got people's mandate to form the new government, Gadkari said.
'Not returning' to state politics
Gadkari ruled out any possibility of his returning to state politics.
"I am in Delhi... There is no question of my returning to state politics. The political crisis in the state will be resolved soon," Gadkari said, ending all speculation of his being a contender for the post of a consensus chief minister to defuse the state political deadlock over government formation.
The Union minister is currently in Nagpur to meet Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat.
The BJP and Shiv Sena are locked in a tussle over the issue of the chief minister's post, resulting in a stalemate in government formation despite results of the October 24 Assembly polls giving the alliance a combined seat strength of 161, way past the 145 majority mark in the 288-member House.
In the polls, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena-56, NCP-54 and the Congress won 44 seats.
Sources from both parties said back channel talks are on between the two old but often-feuding Hindutva allies and a breakthrough is expected.