Shiv Sena’s Union Minister Resigns From Modi Cabinet

11 Nov, 2019 10:50 IST|Sakshi
Shiv Sena’s Union Minister Arvind Sawant Resigns From Modi Cabinet

NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena in Maharastra has taken a surprise decision on Monday as its lone minister in NDA government led by Narendra Modi has resigned. Union Heavy Industries Minister Arvind Sawant announced his decision to quit the NDA government at the Centre after consulting his party leader Uddhav Thackeray. Arvind Sawant took to Twitter to announce his decision, a day after Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari invited his party to stake claim to form government in the state.

"The Shiv Sena's stand is of truth. Why should I stay in atmosphere of falsehood in Delhi? I am resigning as Union minister and will speak at a press conference in Delhi at 11 am," Sawant tweeted. He said before the Lok Sabha polls, a formula was worked out about sharing of power and seat. Both the Shiv Sena and the BJP agreed to it.

"But now, it is shocking that the decision arrived at is being denied and the Shiv Sena is being projected as not speaking truth. This is shocking. This is a blot on the state's pride. The BJP has parted ways by crossing limits of falsehood," he said in another tweet.

Hours after the BJP declined to form government in Maharashtra on Sunday, the governor asked the Shiv Sena to "indicate the willingness and ability" of the party to stake claim.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray is expected to reach out to Sharad Pawar on Monday. Uddhav Thackeray is tipped to be Chief Minister, with an NCP deputy, in a formula that has been in circulation over the weekend.

Just before the quitting of Arvind Sawant as Central Minister, the NCP’s Nawab Malik said that "If the Sena wants the support of the Congress and NCP they must first announce that they are ending ties with the BJP and they are out of the NDA. Their ministers need to quit the council of ministers."

The Shiv Sena, which is the second-largest party in the 288-member House with 56 MLAs after the BJP (105), has time till 7.30 pm on Monday to stake claim to form government.

Also Read: Maharashtra Impasse: Sena Refuses To Budge, Wait Prolongs

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