Independent legislators would withdraw support if Fadnavis is replaced: MLA
What's the story
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 CM," Rana, MLA from Badnera in Amravati district, said.
He said Fadnavis alone was capable of providing reservation to Maratha and Dhangar-communities.
Information
BJP has 122 members in Maharashtra Assembly, Sena has 63
In the 288-member assembly, the ruling BJP has 122 members and the support of three MLAs of Bahujan Vikas Aghadi, one member of Rashtriya Samaj Paksh, seven independents and a lone MNS legislator. With its 63 MLAs, the Shiv Sena is part of the government.
Replacement?
There were talks within BJP to replace Fadnavis: Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut had yesterday said there were "talks within the BJP" to replace Fadnavis, in the backdrop of the violent Maratha quota agitation.
Replying to this, Rana claimed, "Fadnavis, not Uddhav Thackeray, controls the Shiv Sena."
"(BJP president) Amit Shah and (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi will take the final decision," Raut said.
However, two senior BJP ministers have rubbished Raut's claim.