Facing a revolt within his own party ranks, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray resigned on Wednesday, bringing to an end a tumultuous two-and-a-half year tenure. The development comes amid a rebellion by Sena leader Eknath Shinde and a section of MLAs, which has put a question mark on the stability of the MVA government in Maharashtra. "I do not have any regret in leaving the post of Chief Minister," Uddhav Thackeray said in his published address after the Supreme Court rejected Shiv Sena's plea to defer the floor test on Thursday.
An emotional Uddhav not only announced quitting the CM post but has also said he will resign as a member of Vidhan Parishad.
Last week, in his address over Facebook, Thackeray said he was willing to step down as CM if the rebel MLAs come to Mumbai and make such a demand. Thackeray had also indicated his willingness to quit as party chief if there was a demand by the party workers.
Hours later, Thackeray left his official residence 'Varsha' along with his family members for the family residence Matoshree.
"If my own people do not want me, I don't want to stick to power. I am ready with my resignation letter even if one rebel comes and tells me face to face that he doesn't want me as chief minister. I am also ready to quit as Shiv Sena president if Shiv Sainiks tell me so. I face challenges head on and never turn my back on them," Thackeray had said in his 20-minute address.
Recalling the events of November 2019, when the MVA alliance took shape, Thackeray said he agreed to become the chief minister despite his political inexperience after NCP president Sharad Pawar suggested him to take up the top job.
Uddhav Thackeray had taken oath as Maharashtra's chief minister on November 28, 2019. After the Maharashtra Assembly polls in 2019, the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena parted ways with long-term ally BJP over the issue of sharing the chief ministerial post. It then forged an alliance with the NCP and Congress to form the MVA government.