MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari sought to call the assembly session for a floor test on June 30 in a dramatic twist, ending speculations on whether Maha Vikas Agadi (MVA) was still in power amid rising internal revolt in Shiv Sena after SC gave rebel legislators a breather till July 12.
Koshiyari informed Maharashtra legislative assembly secretary of his decision, saying he was in receipt of letters by seven Independent MLAs who said CM Uddhav Thackeray has lost the confidence of majority in Vidhan Sabha.
Koshiyari, in his communication, did not mention about any communication from rebel Shiv Sena MLAs but said “there has been extensive coverage in electronic and print media that 39 MLAs of the Shiv Sena legislature party have expressed their sincere desire and decision to exit the Maha Vikas Aghadi government”.
He also cited the violence against rebel Shiv Sena MLAs as one of the urgent reasons to seek floor test.
“The violence unleashed in Mumbai and other parts Maharashtra against some of the 39 MLAs including breaking down their offices does pose a threat to their life and also that of their family members. After having carefully gone through all the material available before me including the reports in electronic and print media, I am of the opinion that a floor test for proving the majority of the chief minister is imperative to ensure that the government continues to function with the confidence of the House,” Koshiyari wrote to Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha secretary.
Koshiyari said that adequate security is needed to be deployed outside Vidhan Bhawan on the day of the floor test, keeping in view “the provocative statements made by certain leaders”
The development came hours after former Maharashtra CM and leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis arrived in Delhi on a short visit to meet Home minister Amit Shah and returned to his home state. Fadnavis also held a closed-door formal meeting with Koshiyari at Raj Bhawan.
Earlier in the day, Supriya Sule had told the media that they would stand by the Thackerays even as she shocked several by saying she was told that 50 Shiv Sena MLAS have turned rebel against Uddhav.
The New Indian is in possesion of the letter written by Koshiyari
With the fresh developments, analysts said it’s clear that BJP may try to stake claim to form the government in the state with 2/3 of the Shiv Sena MLAs, led by Eknath Shinde, turning rebel.
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BJP sources in Delhi told The New Indian that Fadnavis has handed Koshiyari a list of MLAs and apprised him of the support the saffron party has received from the independent and non-BJP MLAs.
According to the Raj Bhawan, the voting will be conducted by asking ,embers to rise in their seats for the purpose of counting votes as contemplated under Rule 41 of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Rules.
‘The entire proceedings of the trust vote shall be videograph by the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat through an independent agency,” governor house officials told The New Indian.
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