Maharashtra crisis: Uddhav Thackeray ready to give resignation as CM to party MLAs

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, whose administration is in disarray owing to a mutiny within his party, said today that he was prepared to give his resignation to party MLAs who may take it to the state Raj Bhavan.

Thackeray, who addressed the people through Facebook, also stated that he is prepared to resign as party president if party workers demand it. Noting that a faction of his party’s MLAs was plotting his demise, he stated that instead of traveling to Surat, they could have expressed their feelings to him. Thackeray stated that it is a source of shame for him if “even a single MLA” is opposed to him.

The Shiv Sena-led government’s situation worsened today when party leader and state cabinet minister Eknath Shinde claimed to have the backing of 46 MLAs, including six to seven Independent MLAs.

Thackeray stated that he would quit only if party MLAs demanded it.

“If any MLA wants me to step down as Chief Minister, I am willing to move all my possessions from Versha Bungalow (the CM’s official house) to Matoshri,” Thackeray stated.

He continued saying, “I am prepared to tender my resignation to the MLAs; they should come here and deliver it to Raj Bhavan. I am prepared to resign as Shiv Sena party chief as well, not on the advice of others but on the advice of my workers.”

Thackeray further stated that it is not about numbers but about how many people are against him and that he will resign if even one person or MLA is against him.

Shiv Sena has already written a letter to party MLAs requesting that they attend a meeting at 5 p.m., adding that any who do not attend will be regarded to be out of the party. The ultimatum was given following the ruling alliance’s political turmoil.

Earlier today Eknath Shinde stated that their numbers will increase.

“We currently have 46 MLAs on board, including 6-7 Independent MLAs. This figure will climb in the future. We have not yet received a proposal from the BJP, nor are we in negotiations with them “Shinde said.

The three coalition partners, Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena, are holding back-to-back sessions to settle the problem.

Sunil Prabhu, Chief Whip of the Shiv Sena, has written to all party MLAs, inviting them to attend a crucial meeting tonight evening.

The letter cautioned that if any MLA does not attend the meeting for whatever reason and without prior notice, action will be taken to revoke their membership in accordance with constitutional regulations.

Today, Rebel MLAs led by Eknath Shinde arrived to a luxurious hotel in Guwahati, the capital of BJP-ruled Assam.