In a midnight coup of sorts, the BJP and NCP have tied up to form the government in Maharashtra. In a move that neither the political parties nor the media had a clue, the alliance was stitched and Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as Chief Minister early morning today. NCP’s Ajit Pawar has taken oath as Deputy CM.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have congratulated Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.
While Shiv Sena went to town trumpeting that a Shiv Sena CM would take oath soon, the BJP’s coup has left it red-faced. Shiv Sena’s ministers in the union cabinet have resigned and even boycotted the NDA meet before the starting of the winter session.
Media sources say that NCP Chief Sharad Pawar was part of discussions for Devendra Fadnavis led Maharashtra Govt formation. Pawar had given his assent to Ajit Pawar for the alliance and to be sworn in as DCM. However, as late as yesterday night news of Uddhav Tackeray taking oath as CM were splashed across the national and state media.
A simple swearing in ceremony was held at the Raj Bhavan where leaders of both parties were present. The oath of office was administered by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan.
A simple swearing in ceremony was held at the Raj Bhavan where leaders of both parties were present. The oath of office was administered by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan.
President Rule Revoked
Before the swearing-in at Raj Bhawan, President’s Rule which was imposed on the sate due to the political stalemate was revoked at 5.47 am. The state had been placed under President’s Rule on November 12 after the Shiv Sena started to bargain with its alliance partner BJP over seat sharing and CM’s post. With no clarity even after the Governor giving a chance to all the parties, President Rule was imposed on 12th November.
However, hours before Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Chief Minister for a second term, the President Rule was revoked by the President of India. In a brief three-line notification issued by Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla this morning, President Ram Nath Kovind revoked President’s Rule “in relation to the state of Maharashtra with effect from the 23rd day of November, 2019”.
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