Uddhav quits ahead of Maha trust vote, Fadnavis may return as CM soon | Top Points
There is an atmosphere of celebration in the BJP camp after Uddhav Thackeray resigned as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Wednesday. His announcement came minutes after the Supreme Court refused to stay the floor test in the Maharashtra Assembly.
Uddhav Thackeray resigned as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Wednesday, 29 June. Soon after Uddhav Thackeray’s announcement, the Supreme Court dismissed the MVA government’s plea for a stay on the floor test in the Maharashtra Assembly.
Uddhav Thackeray also resigned from the Maharashtra Legislative Council.
India Today was the first channel to spread the news of Uddhav Thackeray’s possible resignation. India Today reported at 7 pm that Uddhav Thackeray told his cabinet ministers today that he will resign as CM if the Supreme Court refuses to stay the floor test in the assembly.
Announcing his decision via video address, Uddhav Thackeray expressed his gratitude to Congress President Sonia Gandhi and NCP chief Sharad Pawar for their support.
“I want to express my gratitude to the people of NCP and Congress for supporting me. On behalf of Shiv Sena, Anil Parab, Subhash Desai and Aaditya Thackeray, these people were present only when the resolution was passed, while the people of NCP and Congress also supported the resolution.
Announcing his resignation from the top post, Uddhav Thackeray said, “Our government has been affected by misfortune.”
Expressing disappointment with the Shinde faction, Uddhav Thackeray said that they gave all that they wanted to the rebel MLAs.
Accompanied by sons Aditya and Tejas, he went to the Raj Bhavan and submitted his resignation as CM to Koshyari around midnight. The Governor accepted his resignation.
RETURN OF FADNAVIS?
Sources told India Today that Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly Devendra Fadnavis may return as Chief Minister for the third time. Sources said Fadnavis is likely to take oath on July 1.
BJP REJOICES
BJP leaders waiting to return to power in the state celebrated Thackeray’s announcement that he was stepping down as chief minister. State BJP chief Chandrakant Patil was seen feeding sweets with party colleague Devendra Fadnavis, who was returning as CM.
WHAT NEXT?
Soon after Thackeray stepped down, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrakant Patil said party ally Devendra Fadnavis and rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde would decide on the next court course of action. The state BJP unit has asked all its MLAs to assemble in Mumbai. Patil has also asked the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs not to come to Mumbai today and come only on the day of swearing-in.
SUPREME COURT’S DECISION
The Supreme Court refused to stay the Maharashtra Governor’s direction to the MVA government to hold a floor test in the Assembly on Thursday.
A vacation bench of Justices Surya Kant and JB Pardiwala said the proceedings in the Assembly on Thursday would be subject to the outcome of the Shiv Sena’s petition against the governor’s decision.
The Supreme Court also issued notice to the Assembly Secretary and others on the petition against the Governor’s direction for a floor test.
“We have drafted this brief order. We are not staying the floor test convened by the governor. We are issuing notice in the writ petition. You can file a counter in five days. Will hear the cases on merit along with other cases on July 11. Tomorrow’s proceedings will depend on the outcome of this petition.” said the Supreme Court bench.
MAHARASHTRA FLOOR TEST
Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Thursday asked CM Uddhav Thackeray to prove his majority in the House.
Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde has claimed the support of 50 dissident MLAs from his party and independent candidates, claiming they can pass “any floor test” numbers.
Eknath Shinde said, “We have 50 MLAs, more than two-thirds. We are not worried about the floor test and we will pass the test.
MUMBAI POLICE BEEFS UP SECURITY
Meanwhile, Mumbai Police has beefed up security near Vidhan Bhavan and on the route where rebel Shiv Sena MLAs can be taken from the airport ahead of Thursday’s floor test.
Police have imposed section 144 of CrPC in case of assembly of five or more persons and will not allow anyone to gather in Vidhan Bhavan and adjoining areas in south Mumbai.
