Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday submitted his resignation after meeting Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. Current Maharashtra assembly will be dissolved by today midnight.

There has been no headway in government formation even a fortnight after Assembly poll results were announced on October 24.

Read also:

How a tug of war between Fadnavis and Gadkari results in Maharashtra stalemate

Confirming his resignation as the chief minister, Fadnavis said, "I am thankful to the party, senior BJP leaders, and the people of Maharashtra for allowing him to serve them for 5 years." He also thanked BJP's alliance partner Shiv Sena.

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other state ministers meet Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan. pic.twitter.com/grmCMrHLg9

— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2019

Speaking to reporters after handing over the resignation to the governor, Fadnavis said that BJP won less than expected seats in the assembly, but voters approved the alliance with Shiv Sena by giving a clear mandate to them.

He said there were never any talks of rotational chief minister in his presence and Shiv Sena has betrayed the mandate by making such demands, "Nitin Gadkari confirmed the same to him after having a word with Amit Shah."

Meanwhile, it is learned that BJP's ally Shiv Sena moved its MLAs at Hotel Retreat in Madh, Malad West till November 15. Also, the party has written to Mumbai Police Commissioner requesting for security arrangements.

Sena secretary Milind Narvekar has written a letter to the Mumbai police commissioner, seeking necessary protection for the party's MLAs till November 15.

In the letter, Narvekar said all MLAs would be staying at Retreat hotel in suburban Malad. "Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will be meeting his MLAs

frequently for future decisions. We request you to provide necessary security measures," Narvekar said.

A police official confirmed receiving the letter.

It is also learned that Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has reached NCP chief Sharad Pawar's residence for discussions on the latest developments.

The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party in the October 21 Assembly polls winning 105 seats, and its ally Shiv Sena, with 56 seats, have not staked claim to form the government together or separately till now.

The two parties are bickering over power-sharing formula since October 24, when the poll results were out. The NCP and the Congress won 54 and 44 seats, respectively, in the election to the 288-member assembly where the majority mark is 145.

First Published:Nov 8, 2019 4:37 PM IST