Devendra Fadnavis resigns as CM amid Maharashtra power tussle
What's the story
As the standoff between Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party continues in Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis resigned from the post of Chief Minister on Friday. He handed his resignation to Governor BS Koshyari at the Raj Bhawan in Mumbai. The development comes after the two parties debated about the rotational CM formula post winning a majority as an alliance in the recent state elections.
Details
Maharashtra Governor accepted resignation, announced Fadnavis
After submitting his resignation, Fadnavis addressed a press conference. He quipped, "I am giving good news." Fadnavis said that Governor Koshyari accepted his resignation and asked him to remain the acting CM until there's an alternative. Fadnavis's resignation comes fifteen days after the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance won a majority in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. The incumbent Assembly's tenure ends on November 8.
Quote
Fadnavis thanked Modi, Shah, BJP leaders, and allies
Fadnavis then said, "I got an opportunity to serve Maharashtra and I'm thankful to the people of Maharashtra. I am thankful to PM Modi, Amit Shah, JP Nadda and all our leaders." He added, "I am also thankful to our allies and their leaders."
Rotational CM
Fadnavis also addressed rotational CM debate
At the press conference, Fadnavis reiterated that there had been no agreement over a rotational CM policy in the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance. He said that the two parties did hold discussions over Sena's demands for rotational CM, however, they never reached an agreement. Instead, Fadnavis added, the Sena broke contact with the BJP and continued talks with the NCP and Congress.
Twitter Post
Shah, Gadkari also said rotational CM was never decided: Fadnavis
Devendra Fadnavis: I again want to make it clear that it was never decided that for 2.5 years each the CM post will be shared. There was never a decision on this issue. Even Amit Shah ji and Nitin Gadkari ji said this was never decided pic.twitter.com/h0tIPdgvZq
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2019
Maharashtra polls
Maharashtra Assembly elections: BJP-Shiv Sena alliance won majority
To recall, the Maharashtra election results were declared on October 24. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member Assembly while the Shiv Sena bagged 56 seats. Ever since, the BJP and the Sena have been bickering over a rotational CM formula wherein Fadnavis and Sena's Aaditya Thackeray would share the CM post for 2.5 years each. The BJP, however, refused to agree to the policy.
Crisis
While Sena demanded rotational CM, BJP said President's rule
Due to the debates over the rotational CM policy, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance failed to form government in the state and no CM took an oath of office. While the Sena remained firm on their demands of rotational CM, BJP leader and State Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said the party may opt for President's rule if no government is formed until November 7.
Quote
Governor requested me to remain acting CM: Fadnavis
Fadnavis said, "A full-fledged govt would have ensured better relief for farmers. The governor has requested me to remain the acting CM until the time an alternate arrangement is made. It is wrong to insult people's mandate. It's wrong to impose an election on them."
Quote
Sena's statements against BJP's top leadership not tolerable: Fadnavis
Further, Fadnavis lamented at the recent events saying, "Balasaheb Thackeray is respected by all of us. In fact, we even never said anything against Uddhav ji, but in past 5 years and especially last 10 days the kind of statements which were made against our top leadership including Modi ji, were not tolerable." He added that Uddhav Thackeray hasn't responded to his calls yet.