Shiv Sena MP in Modi cabinet, Arvind Sawant offers resignation

Amidst the Maharashtra political deadlock, the only Member of Parliament (MP) from Shiv Sena in Modi cabinet, Arvind Sawant offered his resignation on Monday. Sawant announced his resignation from the Union cabinet, saying it would not be proper to continue as a minister when a new government is being formed in Maharashtra.

Addressing a press conference, Sawant accused the BJP of falling back on its promise of equal division of seats and power to the Sena and forcing the Uddhav Thackeray-led party to snap ties. He further went on to allege that the Janata Party was resorting to "lies" by denying the agreement reached between the leaders of the two parties prior to the Assembly elections.

"They have also hurt my party by lying. Since there is no trust left, I have decided to resign," Sawant told reporters. He even accused BJP of hurting the sentiments of the Shiv Sena and of the Thackeray family.

"I have resigned as the Union minister. I have sent my resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the Shiv Sena leader said and displayed his letter resigning as the Union heavy industries minister.

Asked if the alliance between Sena and the BJP was over, he said, "When I have resigned, you can understand what it means."

The deadlock in Maharashtra over government formation still remains as the BJP and Shiv Sena alliance failed to form government in the state despite getting a clear majority of 161 seats. Shiv Sena and BJP managed to win on 56 and 105 seats, respectively.

While NCP chief Sharad Pawar had said that they will support a stable government in Maharashtra, Congress informed that the final decision to support Shiv Sena will come after the state leadership’s meeting with Sonia Gandhi in Delhi.

BJP and Shiv Sena contested the assembly polls in Maharashtra together. However, the saffron alliance failed to form the government in the state. Since the declaration of assembly election results, Shiv Sena has been adamant on its demand to implement the 50-50 power-sharing formula.

However, BJP didn’t agree to the demands of its ally Shiv Sena and maintained that the CM will be from their party. As of now, Shiv Sena is seeking the support of NCP and Congress alliance.