Amid the ongoing political turmoil, the Thackeray family on Wednesday, 22 June, left the official CM residence 'Varsha' to return to their private residence 'Matoshree', where Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, state minister Aditya Thackeray, and other family members greeted a swarm of Shiv Sena cadre.
CM Thackeray in his speech earlier in the evening had said that he will leave the official residence as the post does not matter to him more than "his people."
Earlier on Wednesday, Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut refuted reports of rebel leader Eknath Shinde being offered the CM post by the party and said that Thackeray will remain the chief minister.
He also said that the party will prove majority on the floor of the House, if need be.
The statement by Raut came after Thackeray, in his address to the state, told Shinde and the rebel MLAs that he is willing to resign but they must "talk to him directly and not play games."
Shinde later took to Twitter after Thackeray's address to say that the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance only benefited the Congress and the NCP and led to the weakening of the Shiv Sena.
NCP Chief Sharad Pawar and MP Supriya Sule met Thackeray at the latter's residence in Mumbai on Wednesday evening to discuss the crisis.
While claiming support of 46 MLAs, Shinde had earlier claimed that he has not held any talks with the BJP
Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrakant Patil has reportedly reached Guwahati, accompanied by four more rebel Sena MLAs
The Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have pledged support to the Maha Vikas Aghadi government amid the turmoil
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma had reportedly visited the Raddison Blu hotel before the MLAs arrived there on Wednesday morning
Shinde held talks with two senior Sena leaders in Surat on Tuesday during which he demanded that the party reunite with the BJP
Chants in Support of Uddhav Thackeray Greet CM Outside Residence
'Stand Staunchly With Uddhav': Shiv Sena Cadre Outside Matoshree
Uddhav, Aditya Greet Sena Cadre as They Return to Matoshree
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Uddhav Thackeray greets Shiv Sena cadre outside Matoshree
(Photo: PTI)
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Aditya and Tejas Thackeray greet Shiv Sena cadre outside Matoshre.
(Photo: PTI)
Sena Supporters Continue Chants Outside 'Matoshree'
Shiv Sena workers gather outside Matoshree, the private residence of Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray, to show their support.
(Photo: PTI)
Sena Cadre Greet Thackerays at Private Residence
The Thackeray family on Wednesday, 22 July, left the official CM residence 'Varsha' to return to their private residence 'Matoshree', where they were greeted by a swarm of Shiv Sena cadre amid sloganeering.
Uddhav Thackeray, Family Leaves CM Residence
BJP Leader Files Complaint Against Thackeray For Violating COVID Norms
BJP Youth National Secretary Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga has filed an online complaint against Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray at Malabar Hill Police Station in Mumbai for violating COVID-19 rules and meeting people, ANI reported.
Thackeray had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier on Wednesday.
'Uddhav Won't Quit': Sanjay Raut Refutes Reports of Shinde Being Offered CM Post
Sanjay Raut on Wednesday refuted reports of rebel leader Eknath Shind being offered the CM post by the Shiv Sena and said that Uddhav Thackeray will remain the chief minister.
He also said that the party will prove majority on the floor of the House, if need be.
"These reports are untrue. No such talks (of making Shinde the CM) have taken place. Uddhav Thackeray will remain the Chief Minister of Maharashtra," he told the media.
"If it comes to it, we will also prove majority on the ground," he said.
4 More MLAs Reach Guwahati Hotel
Four more rebel Shiv Sena MLAs reached the hotel in Assam's Guwahati.
Thackeray Family Leaves Official CM Residence
Thackeray family has left the official CM bungalow 'Varsha' to back to 'Matoshree'.
CM Uddhav Thackeray in his speech earlier had said that he will leave the official residence to prove that the post does not matter to him.
Congress Leaders to Meet CM Thackeray
Congress leaders Ashok Chavan and Balasaheb Thorat will meet Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray shortly.
Only Allies Gained in MVA: Shinde Post Uddhav's Speech
Eknath Shinde took to Twitter after Thackeray's address to say that the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance only benefited the Congress and the NCP and led to the weakening of the Shiv Sena. In four points, Shinde said:
"1. In two and a half years of the MVA, only the allies benefitted while the Shiv Sainiks faced troubles
2. While the allies got stronger, the Shiv Sainiks and the Sena only weakened
3. It is important to get out of this unnatural alliance to save the party.
4. Important to take a decision for Maharashtra."
Maha CM's Politeness a Tight Slap to Dissenters: AIMIM Leader
Praising Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray for the way he spoke during his live webcast on Wednesday that came amid the ongoing political crisis in the state, AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel said his "politeness" was a "tight slap" to the dissenters within the Shiv Sena.
"Appreciate the truthfulness of @CMOMaharashtra. We may have political/ideological differences with @ShivSena but after hearing Mr Uddhav Thackeray today my respect for him has simply grown. Your politeness gave a tight slap to all the dissenters within your party," the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader, who is Lok Sabha member from Aurangabad, said.
Security Stepped up at Aurangabad Houses of Two Rebel Leaders
Police stepped up security at the residences of Shiv Sena ministers Abdul Sattar and Sandipan Bhumre in Maharashtra's Aurangabad city who are camping with their party colleague and rebel leader Eknath Shinde in Guwahati, in view of a protest held on Wednesday.
The MLA from the Sillod constituency, Abdul Sattar, is a Minister of State for Revenue in the Uddhav Thackeray-led government. Bhumre, the MLA from the Paithan constituency, holds the EGS portfolio.
Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena workers staged a protest in Kranti Chowk area of the city demanding action against rebel Shiv Sena MLAs camping in Guwahati.
"Considering the situation, we have increased security at the residences of Bhumre and Sattar," a senior police officer told PTI.
'Problem is BJP Poaching MLAs, Sena Will Survive': Congress MP
Congress MP KC Venugopal censured the BJP amid the crisis, and said that the problem is BJP's attitude of using money and agencies to poach the MLAs.
"It's an internal issue of Shiv Sena and the party leadership can sort it out easily. The problem is the BJP's attitude of using money and agencies to poach the MLAs. I think Shiv Sena will survive," he said, ANI quoted.
'Shiv Sainiks Work for Respect and Honour': Priyanka Chaturvedi
Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi reacted to Uddhav Thackeray's address and wrote:
Sharad Pawar Reaches Uddhav Thackeray's Residence
NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule and Jitendra Awhad reached the Mumbai residence of Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray.
'Consider Demands of Rebels': Sena MP Writes to Thackeray
Shiv Sena MP Bhavana Gawli wrote to CM Uddhav Thackeray, and urged him to "consider the demands of revolting MLAs in favour of Hindutva."
She also requested the CM to not take action against the rebel MLAs.
Eknath Shinde to Address Media at 7 PM
Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde will brief media in the evening from Guwahati, Assam.
'Willing to Resign, But Speak to Me Directly': Thackeray to Rebels
In an appeal to Shinde and the rebels, the Sena chief declared that he is willing to resign if they demand so directly.
"I would have been hurt and shocked that the Congress and NCP saying that they don't want me as the CM. But what if my own people don't want me as the CM? What do I do? If that was the case, why did they have to go to Surat and not speak to me directly? If any of them would have said that they do not want me as the CM, I would have stepped down," he said in his address.
The leader continued, "I am willing to resign as CM this very moment. But can you promise me that the next CM will be from Shiv Sena? Post doesn't matter. People consider me part of their family, this is the biggest achievement of life"
Thackeray also asserted that he is ready to quit even as Shiv Sena chief, "if those disgruntled MLAs come forward and demand so."
'Shiv Sainiks Need to be Kept United': Thackeray
Sending a message to the rebel leaders, Thackeray went on, "The people that we thought were ours, were trusted Shiv Sainiks, need to be kept united...I had taken power to fulfill promises made to Bal Thackeray. We had to resort to other means."
"Pawar had asked me top lead the MVA when we were forming the government in 2019, he said only I could keep the party united," he added.
'Shiv Sena Never Drifted Away From Hindutva': Thackeray
In his address to the state, Thackeray said, "Shiv Sena is dedicated to Hindutva as Bal Thackeray had taught us. The Shiv Sena never drifted away from Hindutva."
"Some people are trying to create an illusion that this is not Bal Thackeray's Sena. What have I done to create that impression? We founght on the agenda of Hindutava in 2014 and in 2019," he added.
Uddhav Thackeray to Address State Shortly: CMO
Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray will address the state shortly, the CMO said.
Uddhav Thackeray to Meet Sharad Pawar at 6 PM
CM Uddhav Thackeray will meet NCP supremo Sharad Pawar at 6 pm.
34 MLAs Sign Support for Eknath Shinde, Send Letter to Governor
Shiv Sena Legislature Party resolution carrying signatures of 34 MLAs, stating that Eknath Shinde remains as leader of Shiv Sena Legislature Party, has been sent to Governor, ANI reported.
Uddhav To Address the State at 5 PM
Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray will address the state at 5 pm via Facebook, the CMO said.
MLAs Meet Called at 5 PM 'Invalid', Says Eknath Shinde
Taking to Twitter, Shiv Sena rebel leader Eknath Shinde said that the MLAs meet called by the part at 5 pm today is "invalid," saying that rebel MLA Bharat Gogavale has been appointed as the representative of all the MLAs by his camp.
Maharashtra BJP Chief En Route to Assam
Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrakant Patil has arrived in Surat, Gujarat on a chartered flight. He will travel to Guwahati along with 4 MLAs, ANI reported.
'No Political Discussion in Cabinet Meet': Maharashtra Minister
Maharashtra Min & Congress leader Nitin Raut said that there was no "political discussion" in the cabinet meet held earlier.
"There was no point in holding political discussions because the situation is completely under control. The chief minister had a smile on his face. You can understand that he is not worried," he said.
'Kaziranga Good Place To Visit, See Nature': Raut on Sena MLAs on Guwahati
"Kaziranga is a good place to visit. The area is also receiving good rainfall. Those who want to see nature can go there," Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut told reporters when asked about Maharashtra MLAs, led by Eknath Shinde, camping in Guwahati.
Political Turmoil Not Discussed During Cabinet Meet: Congress Leaders
Two Maharashtra ministers from the Congress, Aslam Shaikh and Balasaheb Thorat, claimed after the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday that the political turmoil was not discussed during the meet.
No Proposal for Dissolution of Assembly: Congress
Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole on Wednesday said Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has made it clear that there was no proposal to recommend dissolution of the state Assembly.
"We will run the government effectively," Patole said quoting Thackeray.
Patole told reporters that Thackeray has asserted that the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi will sail through the present crisis, and there was no proposal to recommend dissolution of the state Assembly.
BJP MLA Accompanying Eknath Shinde in Guwahati, Claims Minister
Minister of state for water resources and Prahar Janshakti Paksh leader, Bacchu Kadu, told a news channel over the phone that BJP MLA Sanjay Kute is staying with the rebel MLAs of Shiv Sena and Eknath Shinde in Guwahati.
"BJP's Sanjay Kute is with us. He is accompanying all the rebel MLAs of Shiv Sena and some Independents in Guwahati," he said.
A day earlier, Kute had met Shinde and other rebel MLAs in a Surat hotel where they were staying after sneaking out of Mumbai.
'Govt Will Run Smoothly': Congress' Thorat
Speaking to the media, Maharashtra cabinet minister Balasaheb Thorat said that there is no threat to the MVA and that the government is running smoothly.
Shiv Sena Issues 5:00 pm Ultimatum to MLAs
The Shiv Sena has issued a letter to all party MLAs asking them to be present at a meeting that will be held today evening, stating that absentees will be considered to have "quit the party voluntarily."
"The Shiv Sena has called for an urgent meeting today evening at 'Varsha' bungalow as there have been attempts to make the MVA government unstable. The details regarding the meeting have been shared with all the members (MLAs) on their registered e-mail address, Whatsapp and via SMS," he said.
"You cannot remain absent to the meeting without providing a valid and sufficient reason. If you do not attend the meeting, it would be presumed that you have a clear intention of leaving the party. Hence, there will be action taken against you based on the provisions for preventing anti-defection," the letter said.
'Not in Talks With the BJP': Rebel Shiv Sena Leader Eknath Shinde
Speaking to news agency ANI, Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinsde said that all rebel MLAs continue to be "Bal Thackeray's Shiv Sainiks" and that he has not held any talks with the BJP so far.
"As of now we have neither received any proposal from BJP nor are we holding any talks with them," he said.
"As far as current political situation is concerned, I would say that we are Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sainiks and will continue to be Shiv Sainiks. As of now, we are not holding any talks with Shiv Sena or the CM. We have not decided on the future course of action," he added.
'Cong, NCP Pledge Support to Shiv Sena': Kamal Nath
Maharashtra Congress observer Kamal Nath while addressing the media said that the Congress and the NCP will support the Maha Vikas Aghadi government.
"The Congress and the NCP will extend full support to the MVA government. I also had a word with Sharad Pawar Ji who told me that NCP will continue supporting MVA and that there is no other intent. I am sure Shiv Sena rebels will not taint the state of Shivaji Maharaj," he said, as quoted by ANI.
'Kidnapped,' Says Shiv Sena MLA Nitin Deshmukh
Shiv Sena MLA Nitin Deshmukh, who was among the rebel MLAs led by Eknath Shinde, claimed that he was kidnapped and was being taken to Guwahati forcefully, but managed to escape.
Maharashtra Cabinet Meeting Concludes
The cabinet meeting in Maharashtra, led by CM Uddhav Thackeray via video conferencing, concluded.
Maharashtra Cabinet Meet Begins, Uddhav Attends Virtually
Amid political turmoil in the state, cabinet meet of the Maha Vikas Agahdi government has begun in Mumbai.
CM Uddhav Thackeray, who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the day, attends via video conferencing.
CM Uddhav Thackeray Tests Positive for COVID-19
Ahead of the cabinet meet scheduled over the ongoing political turmoil, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray tested positive for COVID-19, Congress leader Kamal Nath told the media.
Kamal Nath Blames BJP for Sena Unrest
Speaking to the media, Congress leader Kamal Nath said that the BJP is using money against the Constitution.
"Unity will prevail in Shiv Sena under Udhhav Thackeray," he said.
Uddhav Likely to Discuss Assembly Dissolution in Cabinet Meet
CM Uddhav Thackeray is likely to propose the dissolution of the state Assembly in the Maharashtra cabinet meeting scheduled to take place at 1 pm, sources say.
Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule Meet in Mumbai
NCP chief Sharad Pawar and party leaders Supriya Sule and Ramraje Nimbalkar arrive at the YB Chavan Centre in Mumbai amid ongoing political crisis in Maharashtra.
Congress MLAs Not For Sale: Kamal Nath
Amid the Shiv Sena-led Maharashtra government facing a crisis, Congress leader Kamal Nath on Wednesday said his party is united and its MLAs are "not for sale".
Nath, who was on Tuesday appointed as the AICC observer in Maharashtra in the wake of the political turmoil in the state.
"It is for the Shiv Sena to take care of its team and see how it wants to handle its MLAs," he said. He asserted that the Congress leaders were united.
"I am sure we will stay intact. It is for the Congress party to demonstrate unity. The Congress MLAs are not for sale," the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister said.
Shiv Sena Hints at Dissolution of State Assembly
Shiv Sena national spokesperson Sanjay Raut took to Twitter to hint at the dissolution of the state Assembly.
"The journey of political developments in the state in the direction of dissolution of Assembly," he tweeted in Marathi.
'BJP’s Goal Is To Capture Entire India’: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
Speaking on the Maharashtra political crisis, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, "BJP's goal is to capture entire India."
"If an opposition party speaks against them, they don't tolerate it. They're walking the path of building an 'opposition-free India'. First they said 'Congress-mukt' India, now they changed it to 'vipaksh-mukt'," ANI quoted him as saying.
Kamal Nath Meets Balasaheb Thorat
Amid the political crisis in the state, Congress observer for Maharashtra, Kamal Nath arrives at the residence of CLP leader and Maharashtra minister Balasaheb Thorat.
Speaking outside Thorat's residence, Nath said, "The kind of politics, that is driven by wealth, in states like Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh, is antithetical to the Constitution of India. The rise of such politics sets a dangerous precedent for the future."
'Spoke to Eknath Shinde for an Hour': Sanjay Raut
Speaking to the media, Shiv Sena national spokesperson and MP said he spoke to Eknath Shinde for an hour on Wednesday morning.
"It is not easy for either of us to leave each other. I had a conversation with him (Eknath Shinde) for an hour this morning and the party chief was intimated about it," Raut said.
"Talks are underway with MLAs who are with Eknath Shinde, everybody will stay with the Shiv Sena. Our party is a fighter, we'll struggle consistently. At the most, we will lose power but we will continue to fight." he added.
Maharashtra Leaders Gather at Sharad Pawar's Residence
Maharastra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil on Wednesday reached the residence of NCP chief Sharad Pawar in Mumbai, followed soon by NCP leader Jayant Patil.
Your Arrogance is Short-lived, Say Banners Outside Sanjay Raut's Home
Amid the rebellion within the Shiv Sena, banners were put up by a party corporator outside Sanjay Raut's house.
"Your arrogance is short-lived, our monarchy is generational," the banners seen on Wednesday read.
We Are Upset With NCP, Congress' Style of Functioning, No Complaints Against Sena Chief: Rebel MLA
A Maharashtra Shiv Sena minister, who is among the dissidents led by party leader Eknath Shinde, on Wednesday said they do not have any complaints against the Sena leadership, but they have been upset with the style of function of the NCP and Congress, the other two ruling alliance partners in the state.
Speaking to a TV channel over phone, Maharashtra minister Sandipan Bhumare, who is among the dissidents, said, "We do not have any complaints against the Shiv Sena leadership. We have raised our complaints with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, that it was getting difficult to work with the NCP and Congress ministers. It was very difficult for us to get our proposals and work requests approved from their ministers.”
To a query, Bhumare said he was given a cabinet portfolio and was satisfied with it.
"What else do I need in life. But, as a people's representative, I need to address the grievances of my people. I could not do it properly because of these two alliance partners,” he added.
Deadlock Continues Between Shiv Sena Leadership, Rebel MLAs
The deadlock continues between the Shiv Sena leadership and the group of rebel MLAs led by Eknath Shinde. A phone conversation between Sena chief and Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and rebel leader Eknath Shinde on the evening of Tuesday 21 June failed to resolve the stand-off. The efforts of Sena emissary Milind Narvekar also have proven futile so far.
Shinde is said to be adamant that the Sena should go back to its alliance with the BJP.
Shinde's rebellion is a layered one. Sources in the Sena reveal that "not all the 'rebel' MLAs are on the same page."
Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik Says Party Should Renew Ties With BJP
Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday said the party should renew ties with the BJP.
Sarnaik, the MLA from Thane's Ovala-Majiwada constituency, has been facing a probe by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case. He had last year written a letter to CM Thackeray, saying the party should team up with the BJP to save its leaders from action by central agencies.
Talking to reporters on Wednesday, Sarnaik said, "I had first mooted the idea that the Shiv Sena should go with the BJP."
Sarnaik had in his letter to the CM last year said that though the BJP and the Shiv Sena are not allies anymore, their leaders have good relations and the Sena should make use of this.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Visits Guwahati Hotel
Ahead of the arrival of Maharashtra MLAs at Guwahati's Raddison Blu Hotel, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the hotel on Wednesday morning.
BJP MLA Sushanta Borgohain Receives MLAs in Guwahati
BJP MLA Sushanta Borgohain received the MLAs at the Guwahati airport.
"I came to receive them. I have not counted how many MLAs have arrived. I came here for personal relations. They have not disclosed any program," he said, as quoted by ANI.
Maharashtra Cabinet Meeting Scheduled for Today
Amid the current political crisis, the Maharashtra Cabinet meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday at 1 pm.
Maharashtra MLAs Arrive at Radisson Blu in Guwahati
A group of Maharashtra MLAs arrived at Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati. This is possibly the first time that MLAs from a Western Indian state have been taken to a Northeastern state after their rebellion against the party leadership.
Further, top leadership of Assam BJP and the state government are believed to have made arrangements for the rebel MLAs.
‘Will Not Leave Shiv Sena’: Shinde Arrives in Guwahati With Rebel MLAs
"We have not left Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena and will not leave it," Shinde said, claiming to have the support of around 46 MLAs.
The move to shift other party MLAs to Guwahati came after Shinde's phone call with Uddhav Thackeray.
While reports of being 'sidelined' in the party are being cited as one of the major reasons behind the rebellion by Shinde, his principal demand is the party's reunion with its former ally BJP in the state. Shinde has reportedly conveyed the same to Thackeray over the phone.
The flight from Surat landed at Guwahati's Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi international airport at around 6.30 am.
While Thackeray had asked Shinde to reconsider and return to the party, the latter had demanded that the Sena restore its alliance with the BJP and jointly rule the state.
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