Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari to step down: Details here
What's the story
Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari on Monday announced that he would step down from the position soon. He added that he has also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking to be discharged of all political responsibilities. In a statement issued by Raj Bhavan, Koshiyari said he wished to spend the rest of his life indulged in reading, writing, and other leisurely activities.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Former Uttarakhand CM Koshiyari has repeatedly found himself in the eye of a storm with his controversial remarks, the most recent one about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj being an icon of the "olden days." Although opposition parties in Maharashtra have called for his removal accusing him of biased treatment, leaders from the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) alliance have also echoed similar concerns recently.
Statement
Great honor to serve Maharashtra: Koshiyari
In the statement issued by Raj Bhavan, Koshiyari said, "It was an absolute honor and privilege for me to serve as the Rajya Sevak or Rajyapal of a great state like Maharashtra—the land of saints, social reformers, and valiant fighters." He added that he would never forget the love and affection he received from the people of Maharashtra over the last three years.
Twitter Post
Koshiyari informed PM Modi during his recent Mumbai visit
During the recent visit of the Hon'ble Prime Minister to Mumbai, I have conveyed to him my desire to be discharged of all political responsibilities and to spend the remainder of my life in reading, writing and other activities.
— Governor of Maharashtra (@maha_governor) January 23, 2023
Details
Oversaw President's Rule in Maharashtra
Koshiyari was appointed as Maharashtra's governor in September 2019; the state was placed under President's Rule in November 2019 on his recommendation when no political party could prove its majority in the Assembly. He then invited the BJP to form the government and conducted an early morning oath ceremony of Devendra Fadnavis before the Shiv Sena-led Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) could stake a claim.
Political drama
Expressed wish to step down after BMC elections
After the BJP failed to prove a majority, the Shiv Sena was invited to form the government in 2019. Koshiyari constantly tussled with the MVA government until its government was toppled by bifurcating the Sena into two camps, and CM Eknath Shinde's faction assumed power with BJP's support. Koshiyari reportedly expressed his desire to quit in the run-up to the Mumbai civic body elections.