I am not the one to be scared, but rather than spilling the blood of the
Shiv Sainiks on the streets, I will step down.
Uddhav Thackeray
Realising that numbers are not with him, Uddhav Thackeray in a Facebook Live, tendered his resignation as chief minister of Maharashtra, Wednesday. He also resigned as MLC.
A composed Thackeray, however, did express his disappointment with the rebel faction stating that “matters could have been spoken within the Marathi Manus group, rather than going to states ruled by other people.”
In an interview to a tele channel shortly after his speech, Shiv Sena spokesperson Anand Dubey lashed out at the BJP. “People of India have witnessed how the BJP has been playing a game of aggrandisement in democratically elected states. However, Uddhavji, has reaffirmed that the Shiv Sena is his and no one can take it away.”
In his speech, Thackeray thanked NCP leader Sharad Pawar and Congress president Sonia Gandhi. He also hauled “some leaders who were ordinary people but his party made them Sainiks, some rickshawallahs who were made ministers.”
On the other hand, the “involved SC judgement,” is rendered “infructuous.” Minutes after the SC verdict, Thackeray resigned. In such a scenario, the governor will have to call in the party or leader who has the numbers to form the government. Either Eknath Shinde backed by the BJP or former CM Fadnavis backed by the rebel faction are the two likely answers.
The other crucial step, informed by top sources, is the election of a Speaker. The moment the party with the largest numbers elects a Speaker, the entire disqualification proceedings by the Deputy Speaker stands “infructuous.” It is the governor’s discretion which will be deployed now.
All in all, the Shiv Sena which fought the BJP is retired hurt. Not out. It remains to be seen whether the rebel Shiv Sena can hold on to its Marathi ground, or will it assimilate its identity with India’s largest political party.
Also Read: SC Verdict: Maha Floor Test Will Take Place Thursday; Final Verdict July 11
