Maharashtra crisis: Maharashtra govt calls special session of State Assembly for two days

Maharashtra cabinet has decided to call special session of State Assembly for two days - on 2nd and 3rd July. On the first day of the session, Speaker elections will be completed. Speaker's post is vacant since Nana Patole's resignation.

Maharashtra Government has directed the state's Advocate General that the metro car shed will be built in Aarey itself. The side of the Government should be presented before the Court in this regard, sources said.

Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis directed the officers that a proposal be brought at the earliest to resume the Jalyukt Shivar scheme, sources said.

I extend my greeting to the new CM of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. I hope that good works take place in Maharashtra through both of you, says former CM Uddhav Thackeray.

I don't think that the one who led MLAs to Assam had expected more than the post of Dy CM. But in BJP, as per order be it from Delhi or Nagpur, the CM post has been given to Eknath Shinde... The person who was CM & LoP has been asked to take oath as Dy CM. It's shocking, said Sharad Pawar.

Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar on Devendra Fadnavis becoming Deputy CM said, "It was being said that Fadnavis is upset with Dy CM post but I know him very well. He is so efficient that he works well on all posts. He is an asset to the state. If he's there in ministry to finish his incomplete dream projects, it'll be good."

Despite having 106 MLAs, BJP took this decision (of making Eknath Shinde the CM). It means they have shown large heartedness...As Devendra Fadvanis enters the cabinet, it will be a boost for the cabinet. It'll be a help to get clearances from Delhi, Kesarkar said.

"Matter of pride, a different day for Maharashtra...2 parties that believe in Hindutva & had parted ways-have come back together...We're back together 2.5 yrs later. Our 50 MLAs made imp contributions. They wanted Shinde sahab as CM, BJP accepted it," Deepak Kesarkar added.

"Their tallest leaders PM Modi, HM Shah, JP Nadda displayed spirit that if they have to stay a few steps back to go ahead with Hindutva...They had no reservation about having a Dy CM from their side. They welcomed it with an open heart. A good government is being formed," Kesarkar mentioned.

I congratulate Eknath Shinde on his new responsibility. He showed the power of taking such a large number of MLAs to Guwahati. He inspired people to quit Shiv Sena. I don't know if it happened earlier. But it didn't happen without preparation, says NCP chief Sharad Pawar.

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis hold the first cabinet meet of the state's new Government, in Mumbai.

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde (Centre), Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis in first cabinet meeting.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis on becoming Maharashtra's new Chief Minister and Deputy CM.

"Congratulations to Shri Eknath Shinde and Shri @Dev_Fadnavis on taking oath as Maharashtra CM and Deputy CM. Best wishes to them for a successful tenure," Rajnath Singh tweeted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis on becoming Maharashtra Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.

"I would like to congratulate Shri @mieknathshinde Ji on taking oath as Maharashtra CM. A grassroots-level leader, he brings with him rich political, legislative and administrative experience. I am confident that he will work towards taking Maharashtra to greater heights."

"Congratulations to Shri @Dev_Fadnavis Ji on taking oath as Maharashtra Deputy CM. He is an inspiration for every BJP Karyakarta. His experience and expertise will be an asset for the Government. I am certain he will further strengthen Maharashtra’s growth trajectory."

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray congratulated Eknath Shinde on becoming Maharashtra Chief Minister.

Union Ministers Raosaheb Danve, Kapil Patil, Bhagwat reached Karad. Eknath Shinde, his father Sambhaji Shinde, wife Lata Shinde, daughter-in-law Vrushali Shinde present

CM-designate Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis interact with MLAs in Goa hotel.

Devendra Fadnavis along with Eknath Shinde interact with MLAs in Goa.

BJP chief JP Nadda on Thursday congratulated Eknath Shinde Devendra Fadnavis.

In a series of tweets, Nadda said, "Today it has been proved that BJP never had the desire for the chief minister's post. PM Narendra Modi and Devendra Fadnavis got a clear mandate in 2019. Uddhav Thackeray left us in the greed of CM's post and formed the government with the opposition."

BJP decided to support Eknath Shinde, showing a big heart for the betterment of the people of Maharashtra. Devendra Fadnavis has also decided to join the cabinet with a big heart, which shows his attachment towards the people of Maharashtra, Nadda said. 

By taking this decision, BJP has proved once again that it is not our aim to get any post, but it is our ultimate goal to serve the country and the people of Maharashtra under the leadership of Narendra Modi, JP Nadda said.

Bringing another surprise in the Maharashtra political developments, BJP chief JP Nadda in a media statement announced that party's central leadership has decided that Devendra Fadnavis should become a part of the government. So, made a personal request to him and Central leadership has said that Devendra Fadnvais should take charge as Deputy CM of Maharashtra.

Eknath Shinde-faction MLAs, staying at a hotel in Goa, celebrate following his name being announced as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Eknath Shinde as Maharashtra Chief Minister is very bad news for Uddhav Thackarey and his branch of the Shiv Sena, tweeted Omar Abdullah.

"Uddhav was probably counting on a BJP CM giving, him a political weapon to target Shinde with. This makes the job of rebuilding their Shiv Sena much more difficult for Thackerays," he said.

Eknath Shinde continued speaking in the presser and said, "Devendra Fadnavis informed BJP has 120 people. He could have taken the chief minister's post on the basis of numbers but he made Balasaheb's Shiv Sainik for this post, he showed a big heart. I express my thanks to Modiji, Amit Shah, Devendraji."

"This post was not done out of any desire. I also did not ask for any post. We will take the state towards development," Shinde said.

Devendra is a big-hearted person. While not in the cabinet, but will continue to receive his guidance, he informed.

"50 MLAs did the work of taking forward the role of Balasaheb and Dharamveer Dighe. He expressed his confidence and thanked him. 120 and 50. Today the strength of us is 170. More will be added in the future," Shinde said.

If Modi government's power will remain there then no obstacle will come in our way, Eknath Shinde mentioned.

Shinde continued and said, "I was also working in the government but nothing was happening in the interest of the state. Some decisions were taken in Maha Vikas Aghadi, but due to ideological differences, we could not proceed on some matters."

"Because of the MVA we were not able to take some decisions... We didn't keep any selfishness in mind," Shinde said.

"We had a natural alliance with BJP. The MLAs talked about going with the BJP keeping in mind the upcoming elections," Shinde informed.

Speaking at the presser, Eknath Shinde said, "the decision that we have taken is committed to Balasaheb's Hindutva & for the development work in the constituencies of our MLAs. We have 50 MLAs with us."

"We went to former CM Thackeray with our constituency's grievances & development work along with advising him on need for improvement as we started realizing that it would be difficult for us to win the next elections. We demanded for a natural alliance with BJP," Shinde mentioned.

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis also said that he will stay out of the government but will ensure it works at its full capacity.

Bringing a surprise element amid this entire government crisis, Devendra Fadnavis in his presser announced that not him but Eknath Shinde will take oath as next chief minister of Maharashtra. The ceremony will be held at 7:30 pm.

After meeting Maharashtra Governor with Eknath Shinde and staking claim to form the government, Devendra Fadnavis addressed a presser and said, "In 2019 BJP and Shiv Sena had an alliance & we got required numbers in Assembly elections. We hoped to form the govt but Shiv Sena chose to get into an alliance with those against whom Balasaheb protested throughout his life."

"Shiv Sena formed an alliance with those who are against Hindutva & Savarkar. Shiv Sena insulted the mandate of the people," Fadnavis said.

Shiv Sena MLAs were demanding that the alliance with Congress and NCP should be ended but Uddhav Thackeray ignored these MLAs and gave priority to MVA alliance partners, that's why these MLAs intensified their voices, Fadnavis.

Eknath Shinde and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis meet Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and stake claim to form the government.

Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde meet Governor at Raj Bhavan

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde have reached Raj Bhawan, to meet Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis will address the media today after staking the claim to form the government.

The swearing-in is expected to take place at 7 PM today itself.

In the second phase of the Maharashtra government, there will be a big expansion of the cabinet.

Fadnavis will form the cabinet after agreeing with everyone and forming a consensus so that no leader remains upset.

When the session will be held, the assembly will preside and after that the majority will be proved. After the floor test, cabinet expansion will take place.

Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde met LoP Devendra Fadnavis at the latter's residence in Mumbai.

Eknath Shinde meets LoP Devendra Fadnavis at the latter's residence in Mumbai.

Eknath Shinde supporters at 'Sagar' bungalow taken in police custody. More than one dozen supporters have been detained.

Shiv Sena leader MLA Eknath Shinde, who reached Goa on Wednesday night from Guwahati along with rebel MLAs, on Thursday landed at Mumbai airport.

The rebel Sena leader has been given the 'Z' category security.

Eknath Shinde reaches Mumbai from Goa.

Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde left Goa for Mumbai on Thursday afternoon, where he is scheduled to meet Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

Maharashtra BJP leader Girish Mahajan on Thursday claimed that his party has the support of 170 MLAs, way above the 145 majority mark in the 288-member House that is necessary to form a government in the state.

Fadnavis, Shinde will meet the meet Governor today at 3 pm at Raj Bhawan. They are likely to stake a claim for govt formation in Maharashtra. 

Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde is likely to meet Maharashtra Governor BS Koshiyari today after returning to Mumbai after about a week. 

The Bombay High Court on Thursday termed as "politically induced litigation" a PIL filed by seven citizens seeking action against dissident Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and other rebel MLAs of the party, and said it would hear the plea if the petitioners deposit Rs one lakh as security.

Eknath Shinde is likely to return to Mumbai today post noon. The development comes a day after Uddhav Thackeray resigned as CM of Maharashtra. 

As of now, Devendra Fadnavis will take oath alone tomorrow. According to the information received from the sources of the Bharatiya Janata Party, the names of the BJP organization is considering for the ministerial post include, BJP state president Chandrakant Patil, Dr. Sanjay Kute, Ashish Shelar, Girish Mahajan. Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde is likelty to be the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra. Amravati MLA Ravi Rana is also being considered.

Shiv Sena is not born for power, power is born for Shiv Sena. This has always been Balasaheb Thackeray's mantra. We will work & come to power on our own once again: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut

Rebel Shiv Sena MLAs led by senior leader Eknath Shinde, who are currently camping in Goa, will hold a meeting on Thursday to decide the way forward as they are likely to support the BJP to form the next government in Maharashtra following the resignation of Uddhav Thackeray as the chief minister.

BJP MLA from Mumbai Prasad Lad is getting death threats. Lad has written a letter to Joint CP Crime. 

- Reports Atul Singh (India TV) 

Office-bearers and workers of Shiv Sena Minority Front took to the streets in Jalgaon and demonstrated to show their support to Uddhav Thackeray. 

Congress called a meeting of MLAs in Vidhan Bhavan. In the meeting, Muslim MLAs and leaders of Congress will register their protest against the renaming of Aurangabad and Osmanabad. All the big leaders including Balasaheb Thorat, Ashok Chauhan likely to attend the meeting.

The Bhartiya Janata party (BJP) is all set to stake claim to form the govt on Friday. Devendra Fadnavis likely to meet Governor BS Koshiyari tomorrow morning. 

Mumbai Police has made elaborate security arrangements in view of return of the Shinde faction. 

After resigning from the post of Chief Minister, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray may not be able to get the post of Opposition Leader in the Assembly. Shiv Sena, which was the second largest party after BJP, now has only 16 MLAs left - 39 MLAs of Shiv Sena have formed their own faction. In such a situation, Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena has now become the number five party in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. In such a situation, now the seat of the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly will go to NCP. Either Ajit Pawar or Chhagan Bhujbal or any NCP MLA may become the Leader of Opposition. 

The stage is set for the return of a BJP-led government in Maharasthra with Uddhav Thackeray resigning as chief minister shortly after the Supreme Court declined to stay the floor test called by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari in a special Assembly session on Thursday. The BJP which is the single-largest party in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly with 106 MLAs, is likely to stake claim to form the government.

Maharashtra Assembly Secretary Rajendra Bhagwat informs all state MLAs that as per Governor's orders, there's no need for a floor test now, so today's special session will not be convened. Uddhav Thackeray announced his resignation as Maharashtra CM & from his MLC post, yesterday. 

Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde to address the MLAs staying in Goa in a meeting that will be held before they leave for Mumbai: Deepak Kesarkar, spokesperson of the Eknath Shinde camp

All Congress MLAs to shortly meet at Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan to discuss the present political situation in Maharashtra. 

All Congress MLAs to shortly meet at Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan to discuss the present political situation in Maharashtra. 

The BJP, which is expected to stake claim to form the next government in Maharashtra soon following the resignation of Uddhav Thackeray as the chief minister, will be holding a series of meetings here on Thursday to decide the future course of action, where party's state in-charge C T Ravi will remain present, party sources said.

A day after Uddhav Thackeray resigned as Maharashtra chief minister, all eyes are on Raj Bhavan to see when does Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari invite the BJP to form the next government in the state.

Facing a floor test in assembly amid a political crisis facing the MVA government, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray submitted his resignation to state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari in Raj Bhavan on Wednesday.

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray offered prayers at a temple in Mumbai after submitting his resignation as Maharashtra Chief Minister to Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Wednesday night.

The rebel MLAs of Shiv Sena will meet today in Goa. The next strategy will be discussed in this meeting.

Senior BJP leaders will meet at Devendra Fadnavis' bungalow Sagar at 11 am today. BJP Maharashtra in-charge CT Ravi will also be involved. BJP has asked all the MLAs to stay in Mumbai till further orders. 

- Reports JP Singh (India TV)

288-member Maharashtra Legislative Assembly

BJP - 106
Shiv Sena - 55
NCP - 53
Congress - 44
Bahujan Vikas Aghadi - 3
Samajwadi Party - 2
AIMIM - 2
Prahar Janshakti Party - 2
MNS - 1
CPI (M) - 1
PWP - 1
Swambhimani Paksha - 1
Rashtriya Samaj Paksha - 1
Jansurajya Shakti Party - 1
Krantikari Shetkari Party - 1
Independents - 13

There is a vacancy due to the death of Shiv Sena MLA Ramesh Latke last month. Of the 55 Shiv Sena MLAs, 39 rebelled against the Maha Vikas Aghadi government along with 10 independents. Two NCP members - Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal - have tested COVID-19 positive, while two other party legislators - Anil Deshmukh and Nawab Malik - are currently in jail.

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde will now decide the next court of action, state BJP chief Chandrakant Patil said on Wednesday night. The state BJP unit has asked all its MLAs to gather in Mumbai.