Maharashtra News Updates: Uddhav Thackeray formally resigns as Maha CM at Raj Bhawan

Uddhav Thackeray submits his resignation as Maharashtra Chief Minister to state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan.

One of the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs, Bharat Gogawale, on Wednesday night said they will hold meetings at a five-star hotel in Goa where they are staying for the night and discuss their next steps in the wake of the resignation of Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray.  

"It is not like we are very happy with the decision of Uddhav Thackeray stepping down as the CM. We are heading towards our hotel. Once we reach there, we will discuss the issue and decide our next steps. He (Thackeray) tried to convince us," Gogawale said. 

After announcing his resignation as Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray is on his way to Raj Bhavan.

Senior Shiv Sena leaders Arvind Sawant and Ajay Chaudhari are at Matoshree holding a meeting with Uddhav Thackeray who has resigned as Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Sources say Uddhav is likely to leave for the Raj Bhavan post-meeting.

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has arrived at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) meeting venue, shortly after the resignation of Uddhav Thackeray as Chief Minister.

"Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray resigned very politely. We have lost a sensitive, decent Chief Minister. History is witness that cheating doesn't end well. Thackeray wins. This is the beginning of a grand victory for Shiv Sena. Will eat sticks, go to jail, but Balasaheb's Shiv Sena will keep flaming!" Sanjay Raut tweeted in Hindi.

Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis is likely to take oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Friday, July 1, sources told Republic Media Network.

"I thank Sharad Pawar. He took care of the Shiv Sena chief as his son. He gave guidance. While his own people were cheating, Sharad Pawar stood firmly behind Uddhavji. Congress leaders also always played a coordinating role," Sanjay Raut said.

Independent MP Navneet Rana speaks to Republic Media Network's Editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami; says "He (Uddhav Thackeray) delayed resigning a lot. The day 40 members of his family abandoned him and left the house, he should have resigned then. He kept the greed for the post."

Speaking to Republic Media Network, Independent MLA Ravi Rana attacked 'Shakuni Mama' Sanjay Raut after Uddhav Thackeray resigned as Maharashtra Chief Minister.

After Uddhav Thackeray resigned as Chief Minister of Maharashtra, senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis reached Raj Bhavan to stake a claim to form a government in Maharashtra.

Rebel Shiv Sena MLAs led by Eknath Shinde have landed at Goa Airport. 

Uddhav Thackeray has resigned as Chief Minister of Maharashtra minutes after the Supreme Court gave its go-ahead to the floor test on Thursday. He has also resigned from his MLC post.

"I want to express my gratitude to the people of NCP and Congress that they supported me. From Shiv Sena, Anil Parab, Subhash Desai and Aaditya Thackeray, these people were only present when the proposal was passed while NCP & Cong people also supported the proposal,"said Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray.

Supreme Court allows jailed NCP leaders Nawab Malik and Anil Deshmukh to participate in the proceedings of the floor test in the Maharashtra Assembly tomorrow.

Supreme Court gives go-ahead to the floor test in the Maharashtra Assembly tomorrow; says we are not staying tomorrow's floor test.

Supreme Court is now hearing the petitions filed by jailed NCP leaders Nawab Malik and Anil Deshmukh seeking permission to vote in the floor test tomorrow.

Supreme Court to pronounce its verdict on the Maharashtra floor test; Advocates SG Tushar Mehta, Neeraj Kishan Kaul & Maninder Singh in the courtroom.

"I'd like to tell Sharad Pawar and Sonia Gandhi that govt is existing with our support...If Government takes such a step, where will we go?... I'd like to tell Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar, Ashok Chavan, and Balasaheb Thorat, what do we do? It's that Muslims are being sidelined. I condemn," said SP leader Abu Azmi.

Arguments of all sides have been concluded. The Bench will pronounce the order regarding the floor test at 9 PM.

Floor test can't brook any delay and Governor in totality is satisfied. Based on relevant materials floor test has to be held: Solicitor General tells SC on behalf of Maha Governor.

Speaker cannot decide his voters' list as he cannot decide his electoral college, Solicitor General tells SC on behalf of Maha Governor.

"We found no difference between BJP and MVA. Decisions to rename Osmanabad and Aurangabad have hurt our sentiments," says Samajwadi Party (SP) Abu Azmi.

Arguing for the Maharashtra Governor, SG Tushar Mehta references statements of Sanjay Raut, says 'Governor can't ignore these things - violence, threats. There's another interview where it was said this violence is just a trailer'

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta starts arguments for the Governor of Maharashtra. "First of all, the argument that this court has interdicted the Speaker is wrong. It is not this order but the law which has interdicted him," he said.

Today we are not leaving Shiv Sena. We are Shiv Sena. We have 39 out of 55 Shiv Sena MLAs with us, Eknath Shinde's counsel to Supreme Court

Senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for rebel Shiv Sena MLAs group, starts arguments. He says whenever Supreme Court has sat this late, it is never to stop a Floor Test, it is to conduct a Floor Test. This is the first time a request is made to stop a Floor Test.

Supreme Court asked Eknath Shinde's counsel Neeraj Kishan Kaul how many MLAs are in the dissident group. He said that out of 55 legislators, 39 are Shiv Sena MLAs

"That is why the great nervousness to face the Floor Test. Rebel MLAs are not leaving Shiv Sena. We're the Shiv Sena, we have an overwhelming majority," he said.

In a massive development, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray may quit anytime to skip the floor test on Thursday. He is likely to resign if the Supreme Court decision goes against him.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have started arriving at Taj President Hotel for a crucial meeting ahead of a possible floor test on Thursday.

Arguments in Supreme Court are currently underway over the floor test, which has been challenged by Shiv Sena.

"They (Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena) are in a “hopeless minority” within the party itself, forget the House," Shinde’s counsel to Supreme Court.

"Maharashtra CM Thackeray said that all thee parties came together and did good work in 2.5 years. He expressed his gratitude to all parties. Tomorrow, the vote of confidence will take place and it will be decided if it's the end or not," said NCP leader and Maharashtra minister Jayant Patil after a state cabinet meeting.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has left Mantralaya in Mumbai after the state cabinet meeting concludes.

During the cabinet meeting, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackery reiterated that he was betrayed by his own people. He also thanked everyone for supporting his government for 2.5 years. 

Senior Advocate Neeraj Kishan Kaul, appearing for Eknath Shide, says, "I have seldom seen a party so afraid to conduct a floor test."

"This (Floor Test) is an area carved out for the discretion of the Governor. Unless the decision of the Governor is held to be grossly irrational or mala fide, there can be no interference," Senior Advocate Neeraj Kishan Kaul, appearing for Eknath Shide, argues.

In a massive development, the Maharashtra cabinet has approved renaming Aurangabad to Sambhajinagar. Recently, the demand was raised by Shiv Sena leader Anil Parab.

Osmanabad will be renamed Dharashiv. Navi Mumbai Airport's name will be changed to DB Patil International Airport.

At Maharashtra Cabinet Meeting, Congress demands to rename Pune as Jijau Nagar & Navi Mumbai Airport to be named after DB Patil.

As per sources, two Cabinet Ministers and Congress leaders Varsha Gaikwad and Aslam Shaikh have left the cabinet meeting chaired by Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray midway after making the demand.

The vacation bench of Justices Surya Kant and JB Pardiwala asked 'Is it correct in this case they wanted the Opposition to form the government?'.

Dr Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Shiv Sena, answers "yes, they say so in their letter. I am today only submitting that milords are not barred (from reviewing governor's decision)".

As per sources, two Cabinet Ministers and Congress leaders Varsha Gaikwad and Aslam Shaikh have left the cabinet meeting chaired by Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray midway. The exact reasons are unknown. 

Supreme Court observes, 'why should we allow even Governor to hold trial? These issues cannot be laid to the subject of the satisfaction of the Governor'.

Arguing in the Supreme Court, Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi says, 'the court has stopped the process of disqualification.' Bench observes, '10th schedule (on disqualification) is a robust provision. We all agree'. Tune in here:  

While departing from Guwahati, Eknath Shinde spoke to the media and said, "We are leaving. We will reach Mumbai tomorrow and will be present in the floor test. The Supreme Court's decision will come, whatever it is, we will respect it." 

'2 Congress MLAs are outside India, 2 NCP MLAs COVID-19 positive', Advocate Singhvi asserted that the Maharashtra Governor is acting 'hastily' by calling the floor test tomorrow. 'Only 24 hours have been given to prove the majority', he says. 

The hearing of the Uddhav Thackeray camp against the floor test called by the Maharashtra Governor has begun in the Supreme Court. Senior advocate Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi has begun the arguments. Anil Deshmukh's plea seeking voting rights has been mentioned before the top court. 

The rebel Shiv Sena MLAs led by Eknath Shinde left the Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati and reached the airport. The group led by Eknath Shinde will fly to Goa today. As per the sources, about 71 rooms have been booked at the Taj convention hotel in the state of Goa. 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray pays respects to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Mantralaya as he arrives for the cabinet meeting, even as Supreme Court gets set to begin hearing on Governor's call for a floor test. 

With just minutes to go for the crucial Supreme Court hearing, Eknath Shinde camp's lawyers have arrived in the court. Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani has also arrived in the courtroom, as per sources. Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi has joined the hearing via video conference. 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Minister Aaditya Thackeray are en route to Mantralaya. As per the Chief Minister's Office, Uddhav Thackeray has called a meeting of the Cabinet at 5 PM today. The meeting will take place on the 7th floor of the state Secretariat. 

Ahead of the Cabinet meeting at 5 PM, Shiv Sena leader Anil Parab has arrived at Matoshree to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. Parab's proposal to rename Aurangabad has stoked controversy within the MVA alliance even with just hours to go for the crucial floor test that will decide the state government's fate.  

Republic has learned that Devendra Fadnavis will meet all his 106 MLAs and also the Independents supporting the BJP in Taj President hotel in Colaba at 7 PM today. The strategy will be chalked out for the floor test.

In the petition, the Shiv Sena has claimed that the Governor's decision to call for a floor test is in complete defiance of the fact that the Supreme Court is seized of the issue of the disqualification proceedings, the next hearing of which is on July 11.

"None of the 39 MLAs, it appears, have individually or collectively written to the Hon’ble Governor about their decision to withdraw support from the MVA-led government," the petition claimed. 

It further added, "It is submitted that there is absolutely no ground or material to call for an urgent floor test on 30.06.2022 when this Hon’ble court is already seized of parallel proceedings and wherein constitutional issues are to be decided. The Hon’ble Governor with little or scant respect to the sanctity and dignity of this Hon’ble Court has proceeded to go ahead and order a floor test in a clear attempt to shield the MLAs from the punishment entailed on account of the constitutional sin of defection."

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday ahead of the crucial floor test, BJP's Sudhir Mungantiwar said, "In 2.5 years, the MVA government cheated the people. They need to be demoted. They lost their majority on June 21 when MLAs went to Guwahati." 

He added, "Cabinet meeting of a minority government of the state is utterly wrong. It's akin to a political sin."

"Around 18 to 20 rebel MLAs are in touch with us. We are trying to establish contact. We will take action after the SC hearing. At 5 PM hearing is there," Shiv Sena's Vinayak Raut told Republic. 

Even in the last minutes before the floor test, a fight has erupted in the MVA government, sources claim. The Congress has opposed the proposal to rename Aurangabad as 'Sambhaji Nagar'. Today in the meeting at Sharad Pawar's residence, this proposal was given a go-ahead.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called a meeting of party MLAs at 6 pm after the Supreme Court's hearing on the floor test.

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari has asked the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition government to take a floor test on June 30, although the Shiv Sena approached the Supreme Court challenging the direction. The apex court will be hearing the matter at 5 pm.

Ahead of the June 30 floor test, rebel MLAs stationed in Guwahati are likely to leave between 4 pm to 5 pm for the airport, sources have revealed. The fate of the floor test will be decided by the Supreme Court at 5 pm today.

Here are the key aspects of the plea filed by Shiv Sena Chief Whip Sunil Prabhu in the SC:

1. The Governor cannot order to call a special session without the advice of the Chief Minister and the Cabinet.

2. But here the Governor, in violation of this, has issued an order to convene the session arbitrarily.

3. The MLAs who did not obey the party's order and whip were legally disqualified on June 22 itself. Let their position be clear first!

4. The governor has failed to fulfill the constitutional principles.

5. It is against the Constitution to make them a part of the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly before the disqualification of some MLAs accused of defection is decided.

As per the Chief Minister's Office, Uddhav Thackeray has called a meeting of the Cabinet at 5 pm today. The meeting will take place on the 7th floor of the state Secretariat. 

Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly Pravin Darekar and BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar met Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal today. Zirwal is likely to preside over the special Assembly session in which the trust vote will take place.

Former Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis sought the support of MNS Chief Raj Thackeray. As per sources, the lone MLA of MNS will vote for BJP during the trust vote tomorrow. 

Eknath Shinde shared videos of a number of rebel Shiv Sena MLAs such as Mahendra Thorve and Mahendra Dalvi who asserted that there was no pressure on them to stay in Guwahati. 

Speaking to the media, Abu Azmi- the lone SP MLA in Maharashtra declared his support for MVA. He said, "We can never join those who are spreading communalism in the country, who are flouting the Constitution. We were and still are with Maha Vikas Aghadi. Irrespective of what happens in the floor test but our support will remain". 

"We will reach Mumbai tomorrow. 50 MLAs are with us. We've 2/3 majority. We are not worried about any floor test. We will pass all things and no one can stop us. In democracy majority matters and we're having that," says Rebel Shiv Sena MLA Eknath Shinde told the media in Guwahati.

On the instructions of the Governor, a special session of the Maharashtra Assembly was convened on June 30. It urged all the MLAs to be present in the Assembly for the floor test tomorrow. 

In a big development, incarcerated NCP MLAs Nawab Malik and Anil Deshmukh have moved the Supreme Court citing that they have the right to vote in a floor test. The SC will hear this matter at 5.30 pm. However, they were not allowed to vote in the recently concluded MLC and Rajya Sabha polls. 

Speaking to the media, Goa Congress president Amit Patkar revealed that he will try to convince the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs to return to the party fold when they land in the state. He said, "I will talk to my Maharashtra state president because he was the Speaker also earlier. I will have a word with him and let us see. Nothing has happened so far". He added, "If they come to Goa, we will definitely try. This should not happen in a democracy. Today, they stifle any party or government that speaks against them whether it is toppling their government or buying MLAs. This should stop. There should be healthy democracy in the country".

BJP party workers will do a massive show of strength on June 30. As per sources, many workers will be assembling near the Mumbai airport when the rebel MLAs come back. BJP will be on the ground to counter if Shiv Sena threatens these rebel MLAs.

Speaking to the media, Independent MLA Rajendra Raut remarked, "I'm with BJP since beginning. Devendra Fadnavis took stand for me in the state Assembly...MLAs will get upset if work will not happen in their constituencies. Yes, there is no problem in that (of BJP coming to power in the state)." 

Republic TV accessed visuals of rebel Shiv Sena MLAs from the bus enroute the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati. As of now, they will come back to the Radisson Blu Hotel. As per sources, they might stay back in Guwahati until the Supreme Court gives its order on Shiv Sena's plea against the floor test. 

The rebel Shiv Sena MLAs led by Eknath Shinde left the Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati. They will first visit the Kamakhya temple and then head towards the airport to take a flight to Goa later in the day.

Shiv Sena's woes continue unabated as sources revealed that some Congress leaders talked about withdrawing support to MVA in a meeting held at Minister Ashok Chavan's bungalow. As per sources, they suspect that Shiv Sena is playing a double game. Moreover, both Congress and NCP are reportedly upset over Minister Anil Parab's statement in favour of changing the name of Aurangabad to Sambhajinagar. 

Commenting on AIMIM's voting preference in the floor test tomorrow, party supremo Asaduddin Owaisi told a media briefing, "Our party will take a call on that. We have got to know from the media that Shiv Sena leaders have gone to the Supreme Court. If it (floor test) takes place, we will take a decision and inform you". He added, "First, put your own house in order. In the case of Maharashtra, why didn't you elect the Speaker?  You are running the show with the Deputy Speaker. If Shiv Sena MLAs run away, am I responsible"?

Maharashtra Minister Eknath Shinde announced that all the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs and Independents staying in Guwahati will contribute Rs.51 lakh to the Assam Chief Minister's Relief Fund to help the flood-hit people in Assam.

In a massive development, the SC agreed to hear Shiv Sena Chief Whip Sunil Prabhu's whip against the floor test at 5 pm today. This comes even as Eknath Shinde's lawyer Neeraj Kaul argued, "Calling for the floor test is the prerogative of the Governor. In any case, pendency of a disqualification application has nothing to do with floor test. Supreme Court has held so". 

Justice Surya Kant asked Singhvi, "When is floor test"? The Congress MP argued, "Tomorrow. It was notified today morning. Starting at 11 in fact'. He stressed, "We will make sure all filing is done by evening, .. may have a hearing at 6 o clock...if the matter is used to cast a floor test, it will become frivolous..we have no other option but to approach court". 

Appearing for Shiv Sena Chief Whip Sunil Prabhu, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi told a SC bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and JB Pardiwala. He said, "Floor test is illegal as it cannot include persons facing disqualification. I am only requesting for lisitng today evening. Otherwise matter will become infructous". He asked for a hearing in the evening citing that the notice for the floor test was received today morning itself. 

Shiv Sena Chief Whip Sunil Prabhu has filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the Governor's floor test directive. The matter will be mentioned before the vacation bench of the apex court shortly. 

Taking to Twitter, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut commented, "Taking the case of suspension of 16 MLAs. The court gives the MLAs till July 11 to present their case as they have been given two days less time. And convening the sessions of the State Legislative Assembly in one day is not only unjust but also a mockery of the Indian Constitution."

The meeting of the Maharashtra BJP core committee will take place at 2 pm at 'Sagar'- the official residence of Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis today.

Ahead of the floor test tomorrow, Maharashtra Ministers and NCP leaders Dilip Walse Patil and Jayant Patil, arrive at the 'Silver Oak' residence of party chief Sharad Pawar in Mumbai. As per sources, Congress Legislature Party leader Balasaheb Thorat, Congress Minister Sunil Kedar, Ashok Chavan, NCP MPs Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel are also present at this meeting.

All Maharashtra BJP MLAs will assemble today at a 5-star hotel in Colaba. They will stay there tonight as the floor test will take place on Thursday. As per sources, the legislators have been asked to assemble at the Taj President Hotel by 5 pm after which Devendra Fadnavis and Chandrakant Patil will address a meeting in the hotel. 

Crying foul over the Governor's floor test directive, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut remarked, "The Governor was waiting for this moment only. SC has said you can come to court. This is unlawful and Governor is disobeying laws". He also mentioned that the MVA will move the Supreme Court against the floor test directive. As per sources, senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Rajeev Dhawan and Devdutt Kamat will reach the SC and mention the matter before the apex court at 10.30 am. 

Sources revealed that rebel Shiv Sena MLAs will fly to Goa from Guwahati at 1 pm today. 71 rooms have been booked at the Taj convention hotel in the state. Thereafter, they will return to Mumbai ahead of the floor test. 

In another blow for MVA, two more NCP MLAs- Ajit Pawar and Chhagan Bhujbal are likely to not vote in the floor test on June 30 as they have tested COVID-19 positive. As Nawab Malik and Anil Deshmukh remain incarcerated, NCP's strength might be reduced to 40. 

As per sources, the Maharashtra government and the Deputy Speaker's lawyer can demand an urgent hearing against the floor test in the Supreme Court later today. During the hearing of Eknath Shinde's petition, the counsel for the Maharashtra government had expressed the apprehension of conducting a floor test and then the Supreme Court had said that if this happens, then the doors of the court are open for you.

In a massive development, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari ordered a floor test on June 30. In a letter addressed to Legislative Assembly Secretary Rajendra Bhagwat, Koshyari opined, "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". He stated that a special Assembly session should be summoned at 11 am tomorrow.

It will have the sole agenda of the floor test and the proceedings must be completed by 5 pm. The proceedings of the house shall be telecast live and appropriate arrangements will be made for the same. 

Speaking exclusively to Republic TV after offering prayers at the Kamakhya temple, Eknath Shinde revealed that the rebel will return to Mumbai today itself. He also exuded confidence in winning the floor test.

In a massive development, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari ordered that a floor test must be conducted on June 30.

BJP MLA Ram Kadam took a swipe at Shiv Sena as it is on the cusp of losing power in Maharashtra.

Rebel Shiv Sena MLA Eknath Shinde offered prayers at the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati.

Shiv Sena rebel leader Eknath Shinde reached the Kamakhya temple amidst tight security. 

Maharashtra Minister Eknath Shinde- the leader of the rebellion in Shiv Sena is on the way to seek blessings in the Kamakhya temple. The rebel MLAs are likely to return to Mumbai today.

As per sources, MVA is likely to seek an urgent hearing in the Supreme Court today seeking deferring of the floor test. This comes after Devendra Fadnavis and 8 other Independent MLAs urged the Governor to order a floor test in the wake of 39 out of 55 Shiv Sena MLAs withdrawing their support to NCP and Congress. On June 27, the apex court had refused to impose a stay on the floor test. 

The rebel Shiv Sena MLAs who have been holed up at a Guwahati hotel for nearly a week now might leave for Mumbai today itself, sources revealed. Before departing for the airport, they are likely to visit the Kamakhya Temple. 

In a massive political development on July 21, senior Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and multiple other party MLAs went incommunicado and went to the Le Meridian hotel in Surat. This came in the wake of several Sena MLAs cross-voting for BJP in the MLC polls. Subsequently, Shinde was replaced as the Legislative Party leader by MLA Ajay Choudhari- an indication that the Sena is unwilling to accept any demands of the rebels. While Shiv Sena secretary Milind Narvekar and party MLC Ravindra Phatak met Shinde seeking a truce, the latter reportedly insisted that the party should ally with BJP once again.

The problem compounded for the MVA as the rebel MLAs moved further away to Guwahati in the wee hours of July 22. Though rumour mills were abuzz that the MVA government will recommend the dissolution of the Assembly, no such proposal was discussed in the Cabinet meeting held later in the day. Meanwhile, 34 MLAs signed a resolution retaining Shinde as the Legislative Party leader and appointed Bharat Gogawale as the new Sena chief whip. 

In a Facebook Live session thereafter, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray offered to resign provided even one Shiv Sena MLA comes back to Mumbai and makes such a demand in face-to-face interaction. Despite this emotional appeal, Shinde refused to budge and insisted that Shiv Sena should leave MVA. Thackeray left his official residence 'Varsha' to move into Matoshree and was greeted by hundreds of supporters. 

In a key development, the Ministry of Home Affairs provided Y+ security to 15 rebel Shiv Sena MLAs from Maharashtra, sources revealed. Addressing a letter to Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray, Walse Patil, DGP Rajnish Seth and all Police Commissioners on June 25, 38 Sena MLAs complained that the security provided to them at their residence and family members has been withdrawn as an "act of revenge". Demanding the immediate restoration of the security cover, they warned that MVA leaders will be held responsible if their family members are harmed.

The MLAs also hinted they were forced to move out of the state owing to security concerns. The CRPF has been tasked to provide security. As per sources, Ramesh Bornare, Mangesh Kudalkar, Sanjay Shirsat, Latabai Sonawane, Prakash Surve, Sadanand Saranavnkar, Yogesh Kadam, Pratap Sarnaik, Yamini Jadhav, Pradeep Jaiswal, Sanjay Rathod, Dadaji Bhuse, Dilip Lande, Balaji Kalyankar and Sandipan Bhumare have been provided CRPF's security cover.

On June 27, the Supreme Court bench of Justices Surya Kant and JB Pardiwala heard a plea filed by Maharashtra Minister Eknath Shinde and MLA Bharat Gogawale against Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal This came after Zirwal asked Eknath Shinde, Chimanrao Patil, Balaji Kalyankar, Sanjay Raimulkar, Ramesh Bornare, Mahesh Shinde, Abdul Sattar, Sandipanrao Bhumre, Bharatshet Gogawale, Sanjay Shirsat, Yamini Jadhav, Lata Sonawane, Anil Bhabhar, Tanaji Sawant, Balaji Kinikar and Prakash Surve to respond on an application by Shiv Sena seeking their disqualification by 5 pm on June 27.

Shinde and Gogawale sought a stay on the disqualification proceedings and the approval of Ajay Choudhari's appointment as Legislative Party Leader. In a big relief to the rebels, the SC extended the time granted by the Deputy Speaker to submit their response until July 12. Moreover, the state government assured that no harm will be caused to the lives, liberty and properties of the 39 MLAs and their families. The apex court also refused to impose a stay on the floor test.

The MVA government took away the portfolios of the Eknath Shinde camp to ensure the smooth functioning of departments. Overall, 5 Ministers and 4 Ministers of State have been divested of their portfolios owing to their unauthorized absence. These include Eknath Shinde, Gulabrao Patil, Dada Bhuse, Sandipan Bhumre, Uday Samant, Shamburaj Desai, Rajendra Yadravkar, Abdul Sattar and Bacchu Kadu who are holed up at a Guwahati hotel currently. Their portfolios have been distributed among the existing Ministers in the Maharashtra Cabinet. 

In a last-ditch attempt to save his government, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray made an emotional appeal to rebel Shiv Sena MLAs. He stated, "You are stuck in Guwahati for the past few days. Every day new information is coming out about you, and many of you are also in touch. You are still in Shiv Sena at heart. The family members of some of you MLAs have also contacted me and conveyed their sentiments to me."

"As the head of the Shiv Sena family, I respect your sentiments. As the head of the Shiv Sena family, I am telling you that it is not late yet. Come and sit in front of me, clear the confusion in the minds of Shiv Sainiks and there will be a solution. We will sit together and work out a solution. Do not fall prey to someone's lies. The respect given by Shiv Sena cannot be found anywhere. If you come forward and speak, there will be a way out. As Shiv Sena party chief and head of the family, I still worry about you. Talk face-to-face and we will work out a solution," he added.

Rejecting this offer, Eknath Shinde opined, "On the one hand, his son and spokesperson call the Shiv Sainiks of honourable Balasaheb pigs, rubbish, dogs, ignorant, and corpses, refer to their fathers, while on the other hand, he (Uddhav Thackeray) appeals to the MLAs for reconciliation to save the anti-Hindu MVA governments. What does it mean?"

In a massive development on June 28, Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis met Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai and demanded a floor test. He was accompanied by other BJP leaders such as state president Chandrakant Patil, Pravin Darekar and Ashish Shelar. Earlier in the day, he held a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda to reportedly formulate the strategy for the floor test and the subsequent formation of the government with the rebel Sena MLAs.

Speaking to the media, Devendra Fadnavis remarked, "We have submitted a letter to the Governor- via email as well as physically. In the letter, we have mentioned that 39 MLAs are not in the state. They do not want to be part of the government. We have submitted that the Maha Vikas Aghadi seems in lack of confidence, and hence, called for a floor test. Now, it is up to the Governor". As per sources, 8 Independent MLAs also sent a letter to the Governor demanding a floor test.