MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has twice said he is ready to resign after a section of Shiv Sena MLAs led by rebel leader Eknath Shinde raised the riot flag. Although Uddhav decided to resign, he was reportedly pushed back by a senior leader of the ruling Shiv Sena-affiliated Mahavikas Aghadi.
It is learned that NCP president Sharad Pawar, who led the BJP to form the Mahavikas Aghadi alliance, has twice backed Uddhav from resigning. According to Shiv Sena sources, Uddhav, who had resigned twice, was twice repulsed by a senior leader of the Front. Although they did not reveal the name of the leader, national media reported that it was Sharad Pawar.
Uddhav first resigned on June 21 after Eknath Shinde and 21 rebel MLAs left for Surat, Gujarat, to sever ties with the Shiv Sena leadership. The decision to announce his resignation was made at 5 pm on Facebook Live. Uddhav’s resignation was prompted by indications that more MLAs would join the rebels. But it is reported that Uddhav was deterred from resigning by the most senior leader of Mahavikas Aghadi.
As things got worse, Uddhav resigned the next day. He also called a meeting of officials to say goodbye. Moreover, Uddhav’s announcement that he will be on Facebook Live at 4 pm that day has further strengthened the rumors about his resignation. Meanwhile, reports say that Pawar has intervened again after realizing that Uddhav was about to resign.
It is reported that Pawar also urged Uddhav to face the issue calmly and strategically instead of resigning and running away. After this, Thackeray addressed the people and announced that he was ready to resign and would resign immediately if any of the dissident MLAs came forward to lodge a complaint.
English Summary: Uddhav Thackeray Wanted To Quit, Stopped Twice By Top Alliance Leader: Sources
