Mumbai, July 11 -- Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut today made a startling claim that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is willing to merge his faction with the BJP in exchange for retaining the Chief Minister's post. His statement has caused a major buzz in political circles. Speaking to reporters here, Raut said Eknath Shinde is ready to merge his party with the BJP to hold on to the CM's chair. "This is not just speculation - my information is always official and based on facts," he said. Raut also referred to Shinde's recent visit to Delhi on the occasion of Guru Purnima, claiming that he performed rituals by offering flowers and bowing at the feet of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, whom he referred to as his guru. Shinde ...