Former Prime Minister of Nepal Prachanda accused present PM KP Sharma Oli of murdering democracy in the country.

WION Dispatch: Prachanda accused Oli of murdering democracy in Nepal

According to reports, Chinese ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi met Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli as differences in the ruling Nepal Communist Party is said to be widening. The duo held talks for around two hours as they looked to unify the party in power and iron out the internal issues.

WION Dispatch: Sources: Chinese Envoy-Nepal PM Oli meet went on for 2hrs

As China continues to wield its influence over various countries, Beijing's nexus with the top establishment in the Nepal government has raised serious doubts over the Himalayan nation's 'autonomy' and 'ability to take independent decisions', according to a report in Global Watch Analysis.

According to an article by Roland Jacquard, the author explains China's policy of corrupting the political class of a country, especially those who are not economically strong. He also details how the foreign policy of Nepal, the latest entrant to fall victim to China's strategic expansionism, has veered towards pushing the interests of Beijing.

In January last year, the day when China condemned United States' move to slap economic sanctions on Venezuela, the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) also issued a similar statement denouncing Washington and its allies for intervening in Venezuela's internal matters. This was probably the first time Kathmandu had taken a stand pertaining to US policies in Latin America.

Another worrying and trend noticed in Nepal is the deteriorating human rights condition of Tibetan refugees residing in Nepal. The Himalayan nation shares a long border with Tibet and is home to over 20,000 Tibetan exiles, many of whom coming into the country after the Dalai Lama took refuge in India in 1959.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-occupying-land-in-seven-border-districts-says-nepal-survey-department-322503">Also read:&nbsp;China occupying land in seven border districts, says Nepal survey department</a>

According to a recent report submitted to the United Nations (UN), two human rights groups — Washington-based International Campaign for Tibet and the Paris-based International Federation for Human Rights — have noted that the new arrivals of Tibetans to Nepal often face threats of being deported to China.

With the growing links between the Nepal government and China, Tibetan refugees are barred from holding elections to elect members of their refugee associations or celebrate the Dalai Lama`s birthday, Jacquard writes in the article.

Attempts to protest against Chinese persecution are met with a heavy-handed response by Nepali authorities, says the writer.

To ensure that the top establishment of Nepal carries out China`s bidding, the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu has been steadily building a network of loyalists, and doles are given out to them, many times on the pretext of legitimate jobs undertaken for the embassy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-to-resume-international-flights-from-september-1-to-bring-back-stranded-nationals-322440">Also read:&nbsp;Nepal to resume international flights from September 1 to bring back stranded nationals</a>

For instance, the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu awarded a contract of 1.5 million Nepali rupees to Rajan Bhattarai, a member of the NCP and who is currently Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli`s Foreign Affairs Advisor, for a research paper on Nepal-India relations. When the initiative started in October 2017, Bhattarai was a member of the Eminent Persons Group on Nepal-India Relations and the Chairman of the Nepal Institute for Policy Studies.

According to the contract, Bhattarai`s wife Geeta Gautam while he would oversee the project. The payment for the duty was sent to Bhattarai`s account in Nabil Bank.

"The contract was what the Chinese would call `a win-win`, as it not only found a way to engage a senior NCP functionary in a financial transaction, it also came with an added understanding of Nepal`s policies towards India," the writer states.

Bhattarai was appointed as Foreign Affairs Advisor to Oli in November 2018. While it is not clear whether China played a role in his appointment, what is interesting to note that despite his position in the Prime Minister`s Office, Bhattarai continued to keep contact with Li Yingqiu, a Chinese diplomat posted in the Nepali capital.

"With Nepal`s Prime Minister`s Office, including its senior advisors, known to have established a transactional relationship with China, it raises serious doubts about the autonomy of the government and its ability to take independent decisions," Jacquard says in the article.

As China continues to wield its influence over various countries, Beijing's nexus with the top establishment in the Nepal government has raised serious doubts over the Himalayan nation's 'autonomy' and 'ability to take independent decisions', according to a report in Global Watch Analysis.

As China continues to wield its influence over various countries, Beijing's nexus with the top establishment in the Nepal government has raised serious doubts over the Himalayan nation's 'autonomy' and 'ability to take independent decisions', according to a report in Global Watch Analysis. According to an article by Roland Jacquard, the author explains China's policy of corrupting the political class of a country, especially those who are not economically strong. He also details how the foreign policy of Nepal, the latest entrant to fall victim to China's strategic expansionism, has veered towards pushing the interests of Beijing. In January last year, the day when China condemned United States' move to slap economic sanctions on Venezuela, the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) also issued a similar statement denouncing Washington and its allies for intervening in Venezuela's internal matters. This was probably the first time Kathmandu had taken a stand pertaining to US policies in Latin America. Another worrying and trend noticed in Nepal is the deteriorating human rights condition of Tibetan refugees residing in Nepal. The Himalayan nation shares a long border with Tibet and is home to over 20,000 Tibetan exiles, many of whom coming into the country after the Dalai Lama took refuge in India in 1959. Also read: China occupying land in seven border districts, says Nepal survey department According to a recent report submitted to the United Nations (UN), two human rights groups — Washington-based International Campaign for Tibet and the Paris-based International Federation for Human Rights — have noted that the new arrivals of Tibetans to Nepal often face threats of being deported to China. With the growing links between the Nepal government and China, Tibetan refugees are barred from holding elections to elect members of their refugee associations or celebrate the Dalai Lama`s birthday, Jacquard writes in the article. Attempts to protest against Chinese persecution are met with a heavy-handed response by Nepali authorities, says the writer. To ensure that the top establishment of Nepal carries out China`s bidding, the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu has been steadily building a network of loyalists, and doles are given out to them, many times on the pretext of legitimate jobs undertaken for the embassy. Also read: Nepal to resume international flights from September 1 to bring back stranded nationals For instance, the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu awarded a contract of 1.5 million Nepali rupees to Rajan Bhattarai, a member of the NCP and who is currently Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli`s Foreign Affairs Advisor, for a research paper on Nepal-India relations. When the initiative started in October 2017, Bhattarai was a member of the Eminent Persons Group on Nepal-India Relations and the Chairman of the Nepal Institute for Policy Studies. According to the contract, Bhattarai`s wife Geeta Gautam while he would oversee the project. The payment for the duty was sent to Bhattarai`s account in Nabil Bank. "The contract was what the Chinese would call `a win-win`, as it not only found a way to engage a senior NCP functionary in a financial transaction, it also came with an added understanding of Nepal`s policies towards India," the writer states. Bhattarai was appointed as Foreign Affairs Advisor to Oli in November 2018. While it is not clear whether China played a role in his appointment, what is interesting to note that despite his position in the Prime Minister`s Office, Bhattarai continued to keep contact with Li Yingqiu, a Chinese diplomat posted in the Nepali capital. "With Nepal`s Prime Minister`s Office, including its senior advisors, known to have established a transactional relationship with China, it raises serious doubts about the autonomy of the government and its ability to take independent decisions," Jacquard says in the article.

Nepal govt's links with China affecting its autonomy, ability to take independent decisions: Report

A significant meeting of the ruling Nepal Communist Party will decide the political future of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli. The meeting was once again delayed on Wednesday till Friday to allow more time for the top leaders to reach a power-sharing deal amid the heightened intra-party rift and his anti-India remarks.

Nepal’s ruling communist party’s meet to decide PM Oli's future

The Nepal Communist Party standing committee meeting which was scheduled to take place today has been postponed again. The talks were postponed after PM KP Sharma Oli refused to attend the meeting. Watch report.

Nepal's Communist party meet delayed as PM Oli refused to attend meet

Amid the political turmoil in Nepal, the ruling communist party executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' said on Sunday that he will not allow the party to split and any attempt from anywhere to weaken its unity would hurt the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and natural disasters.

Addressing the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) members in his hometown Chitwan, Prachanda said that he was determined to keep the party unity intact.

"It is natural to have differences of opinion, dispute and debate in a big party, but I will not allow the party to split," he said.

"If there is a dispute within the party, there are proper procedures to resolve it."

His remarks came amid speculation that the NCP could split after top party leaders, including 'Prachanda', demanded Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli's resignation, saying his recent anti-India remarks were "neither politically correct nor diplomatically appropriate."

Prachanda also advised the party cadres to abide by the party principles and not to run from one camp to another at the time of the crisis.

"Don't describe some leaders within the ruling party as anti-national and others as a nationalist," he said, in an apparent reference to Prime Minister Oli's recent statement that some of the ruling party leaders are aligning with the southern neighbour to remove him from power after his government issued a new political map incorporating three Indian territories.

The party and the government worked together to issue the new map, he pointed out.

Earlier in the day, addressing a meeting of the District Disaster Management Committee in Chitwan, Prachanda said that the political activities should not affect the government's response to the coronavirus crisis and natural disasters.

"Any attempt from anywhere else to weaken the party unity would not be in favour of the people," Prachanda was quoted as saying by Rising Nepal.

He urged the entire political parties, civil society, media and one and all to engage in a combined battle against the COVID-19 crisis and natural disasters.

Oli and Prachanda have held over half a dozen one-on-one meetings in recent days, but the two leaders are nowhere close to a power-sharing deal.

Meanwhile, the ruling party is divided on one-on-one talks between Oli and Prachanda, with a senior party leader saying that prolonging the issues will not serve anybody's interest.

The meeting of the NCP's 45-member powerful Standing Committee to decide Oli's fate was scheduled to be held on Friday.

But it was postponed for a week at the last moment, citing floods and landslides that killed at least 22 people.

NCP leader Asta Laxmi Shakya said it was okay for the party to postpone the crucial meeting for a week, keeping in mind the risk of extreme weather, but Oli should be ready to settle these issues after seven days.

She said that prolonging the issues will not serve anybody's interest and it means that differences will keep cropping up, impacting the party, The Himalayan Times reported.

Shakya said that one-on-one meeting between Oli and Prachanda would not help resolve the crisis.

"If the PM does not feel comfortable discussing some issues in front of all the members of the Standing Committee, then he could discuss these issues with the rival faction, with both factions including three to four key leaders or they can discuss the issues in the party Secretariat.

"But the two co-chairs should not discuss issues themselves," she argued.

Shakya said that Prime Minister Oli should have used his address to the nation on Friday night to calm down the youths protesting in his support and say that the party would not split, but he did not mention any of these things.

NCP Standing Committee member Beduram Bhusal said that Oli mixed politics in his message meant to inform the public about the government's efforts to deal with natural disasters and COVID-19.

Bhusal said that the only option for resolving the internal rift was to discuss all issues in the Standing Committee and follow the body's decision.

Another Standing Committee member Mani Thapa, however, said that Oli's statement that internal differences could be resolved through dialogue was a sign that differences between him and Prachanda were narrowing down.

Thapa said that he and some other second-rung leaders have advised Prachanda to focus on a one-on-one meeting with Oli as they were both signatories to the unity deal signed between the former CPN- UML and UCPN-Maoist Centre.

According to Thapa, Prachanda was initially hesitant to hold a one-on-one meeting with Oli because he thought that could antagonise his faction leaders, particularly former prime ministers Madhav Kumar Nepal and Jahala Nath Khanal, but he finally agreed when some second-rung leaders convinced him.

Under mounting pressure to resign, Prime Minister Oli has downplayed the intra-party rift and said such disputes are "regular phenomena" that can be resolved through dialogue.

The differences between the two factions of the NCP, one led by 68-year-old Oli and the other led by Prachanda on the issue of power-sharing, intensified after the prime minister unilaterally decided to prorogue the budget session of Parliament.

The political future of Oli is now expected to be decided on July 17 during the Standing Committee meeting, amidst the growing involvement of Chinese envoy Hou Yanqui to save his chair.

Amid the political turmoil in Nepal, the ruling communist party executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' said on Sunday that he will not allow the party to split and any attempt from anywhere to weaken its unity would hurt the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and natural disasters.

Amid the political turmoil in Nepal, the ruling communist party executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' said on Sunday that he will not allow the party to split and any attempt from anywhere to weaken its unity would hurt the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and natural disasters. Addressing the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) members in his hometown Chitwan, Prachanda said that he was determined to keep the party unity intact. "It is natural to have differences of opinion, dispute and debate in a big party, but I will not allow the party to split," he said. "If there is a dispute within the party, there are proper procedures to resolve it." His remarks came amid speculation that the NCP could split after top party leaders, including 'Prachanda', demanded Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli's resignation, saying his recent anti-India remarks were "neither politically correct nor diplomatically appropriate." Prachanda also advised the party cadres to abide by the party principles and not to run from one camp to another at the time of the crisis. "Don't describe some leaders within the ruling party as anti-national and others as a nationalist," he said, in an apparent reference to Prime Minister Oli's recent statement that some of the ruling party leaders are aligning with the southern neighbour to remove him from power after his government issued a new political map incorporating three Indian territories. The party and the government worked together to issue the new map, he pointed out. Earlier in the day, addressing a meeting of the District Disaster Management Committee in Chitwan, Prachanda said that the political activities should not affect the government's response to the coronavirus crisis and natural disasters. "Any attempt from anywhere else to weaken the party unity would not be in favour of the people," Prachanda was quoted as saying by Rising Nepal. He urged the entire political parties, civil society, media and one and all to engage in a combined battle against the COVID-19 crisis and natural disasters. Oli and Prachanda have held over half a dozen one-on-one meetings in recent days, but the two leaders are nowhere close to a power-sharing deal. Meanwhile, the ruling party is divided on one-on-one talks between Oli and Prachanda, with a senior party leader saying that prolonging the issues will not serve anybody's interest. The meeting of the NCP's 45-member powerful Standing Committee to decide Oli's fate was scheduled to be held on Friday. But it was postponed for a week at the last moment, citing floods and landslides that killed at least 22 people. NCP leader Asta Laxmi Shakya said it was okay for the party to postpone the crucial meeting for a week, keeping in mind the risk of extreme weather, but Oli should be ready to settle these issues after seven days. She said that prolonging the issues will not serve anybody's interest and it means that differences will keep cropping up, impacting the party, The Himalayan Times reported. Shakya said that one-on-one meeting between Oli and Prachanda would not help resolve the crisis. "If the PM does not feel comfortable discussing some issues in front of all the members of the Standing Committee, then he could discuss these issues with the rival faction, with both factions including three to four key leaders or they can discuss the issues in the party Secretariat. "But the two co-chairs should not discuss issues themselves," she argued. Shakya said that Prime Minister Oli should have used his address to the nation on Friday night to calm down the youths protesting in his support and say that the party would not split, but he did not mention any of these things. NCP Standing Committee member Beduram Bhusal said that Oli mixed politics in his message meant to inform the public about the government's efforts to deal with natural disasters and COVID-19. Bhusal said that the only option for resolving the internal rift was to discuss all issues in the Standing Committee and follow the body's decision. Another Standing Committee member Mani Thapa, however, said that Oli's statement that internal differences could be resolved through dialogue was a sign that differences between him and Prachanda were narrowing down. Thapa said that he and some other second-rung leaders have advised Prachanda to focus on a one-on-one meeting with Oli as they were both signatories to the unity deal signed between the former CPN- UML and UCPN-Maoist Centre. According to Thapa, Prachanda was initially hesitant to hold a one-on-one meeting with Oli because he thought that could antagonise his faction leaders, particularly former prime ministers Madhav Kumar Nepal and Jahala Nath Khanal, but he finally agreed when some second-rung leaders convinced him. Under mounting pressure to resign, Prime Minister Oli has downplayed the intra-party rift and said such disputes are "regular phenomena" that can be resolved through dialogue. The differences between the two factions of the NCP, one led by 68-year-old Oli and the other led by Prachanda on the issue of power-sharing, intensified after the prime minister unilaterally decided to prorogue the budget session of Parliament. The political future of Oli is now expected to be decided on July 17 during the Standing Committee meeting, amidst the growing involvement of Chinese envoy Hou Yanqui to save his chair.

Nepal political turmoil: As PM Oli's future decision deferred, NCP chairman says won't let party split

Nepal PM addresses the nation, plays down dissent in the party. KP Sharma Oli focuses on nationalism amid the political rift. Watch this video to know more.

Nepal PM addresses the nation, plays down dissent in the party

India is a more cost-effective trade option for Nepal. Watch this video to know why.

Indian ports more cost-effective trade option for Nepal

The standing committee meeting of Nepalese Communist Party (NCP) was postponed yet again for one week. Nepal's ruling communist party appeared to be heading for a split as Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and party executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' failed to iron out their differences despite holding over half-a-dozen meetings in a week.

Nepal: Standing committee meeting postponed once again

Bishnu Rijal, Deputy Chief of Department of Foreign Affairs, Nepal Communist Party (NCP) spoke to WION in an exclusive conversation. He addressed the current tensions prevailing among India and Nepal.

WION exclusive conversation with Nepal Communist Party's Bishnu Rijal

The Central Committee Meeting of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-oli-led-government-loses-two-third-majority-socialist-party-withdraws-support-270227">ruling party</a> - Communist Party of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-concerned-over-recent-development-in-middle-east-after-soleimanis-killing-273398">Nepal</a> on Saturday evening decided to ask Deputy Speaker Dr. Shivamaya Tumbahamphe to step down from the post.

However, the meeting remained indecisive over who would be the House Speaker after the resignation of Krishna Bahadur Mahara following the accusation of attempted rape.

"NCP has decided to stand in the fray for the post of House Speaker for which we will be asking Deputy Speaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepali-parliament-to-start-process-to-pick-new-speaker-next-week-269419">Shivamaya Tumbahamphe</a> to step down clearing up the way forward," Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Spokesperson of the ruling party NCP told reporters in brief.

Shrestha did not mention about who will succeed over the post of House Speaker which has remained vacant for nearly three months.

Deputy Speaker Tumbahamphe, on the other hand, has vowed to remain on the post ruling out any chance of resignation and is determined to chair the parliamentary meeting called for January 12.

"I will preside tomorrow's parliamentary meeting as Deputy House Speaker. I will not resign from the post and I am not aware of the decision made by the Central Committee," Deputy House Speaker Tumbahamphe told ANI over the phone when asked about her response to the decision made by Central Committee Meeting held at Baluwatar on Saturday.

This time the election for the Speaker is seen with much caution because of the constitutional provision which demands Speaker and Deputy Speaker to be representatives from different party and gender.

"The election under clause (1) shall be so held that there is one woman as either Speaker or Deputy Speaker, and the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be representatives from different parties," states the constitution.

Outgoing speaker Mahara represented the then CPN (Maoist Center) and the current deputy speaker, Shivamaya Tumbahamphe, was from the former CPN-UML at the time of their election.

Later, the two parties were merged to form the NCP.

But the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepals-ailing-prime-minister-k-sharma-oli-reshuffles-his-cabinet-263746">ruling party </a>refused to make any changes to the two posts, arguing that they were no longer with any party as they had already resigned their party positions immediately after being elected speaker and deputy speaker.

The Central Committee Meeting of the ruling party - Communist Party of Nepal on Saturday evening decided to ask Deputy Speaker Dr. Shivamaya Tumbahamphe to step down from the post.

The Central Committee Meeting of the ruling party - Communist Party of Nepal on Saturday evening decided to ask Deputy Speaker Dr. Shivamaya Tumbahamphe to step down from the post. However, the meeting remained indecisive over who would be the House Speaker after the resignation of Krishna Bahadur Mahara following the accusation of attempted rape. "NCP has decided to stand in the fray for the post of House Speaker for which we will be asking Deputy Speaker Shivamaya Tumbahamphe to step down clearing up the way forward," Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Spokesperson of the ruling party NCP told reporters in brief. Shrestha did not mention about who will succeed over the post of House Speaker which has remained vacant for nearly three months. Deputy Speaker Tumbahamphe, on the other hand, has vowed to remain on the post ruling out any chance of resignation and is determined to chair the parliamentary meeting called for January 12. "I will preside tomorrow's parliamentary meeting as Deputy House Speaker. I will not resign from the post and I am not aware of the decision made by the Central Committee," Deputy House Speaker Tumbahamphe told ANI over the phone when asked about her response to the decision made by Central Committee Meeting held at Baluwatar on Saturday. This time the election for the Speaker is seen with much caution because of the constitutional provision which demands Speaker and Deputy Speaker to be representatives from different party and gender. "The election under clause (1) shall be so held that there is one woman as either Speaker or Deputy Speaker, and the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be representatives from different parties," states the constitution. Outgoing speaker Mahara represented the then CPN (Maoist Center) and the current deputy speaker, Shivamaya Tumbahamphe, was from the former CPN-UML at the time of their election. Later, the two parties were merged to form the NCP. But the ruling party refused to make any changes to the two posts, arguing that they were no longer with any party as they had already resigned their party positions immediately after being elected speaker and deputy speaker.

Nepal's ruling party remains undecided over new House Speaker

A month after Maha Vikas Aghadi formed the government in the state, Maharashtra minister Balasaheb Thorat on Sunday said that Congress will get 12 berths in the cabinet expansion scheduled for tomorrow.

"Tomorrow is the oath-taking ceremony and we have to give the final list. We got 12 berths in which two will be state ministers and ten in Cabinet. Our list will be out soon with names," Thorat told ANI after meeting with Congress leadership in New Delhi.

On November 28, Uddhav Thackeray took oath as Chief Minister bringing an end to weeks of political instability in the state's politics after Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress stitched a post-poll coalition as Maha Vikas Aghadi. Six other ministers -- two each from NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena took the oath of office.

The Congress leader said he does not know whether his ally NCP will pitch Ajit Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister. On alleged manhandling of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra by Uttar Pradesh Police in Lucknow, Thorat said,&nbsp;"Those who do it should be suspended."

A month after Maha Vikas Aghadi formed the government in the state, Maharashtra minister Balasaheb Thorat on Sunday said that Congress will get 12 berths in the cabinet expansion scheduled for tomorrow.

A month after Maha Vikas Aghadi formed the government in the state, Maharashtra minister Balasaheb Thorat on Sunday said that Congress will get 12 berths in the cabinet expansion scheduled for tomorrow. "Tomorrow is the oath-taking ceremony and we have to give the final list. We got 12 berths in which two will be state ministers and ten in Cabinet. Our list will be out soon with names," Thorat told ANI after meeting with Congress leadership in New Delhi. On November 28, Uddhav Thackeray took oath as Chief Minister bringing an end to weeks of political instability in the state's politics after Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress stitched a post-poll coalition as Maha Vikas Aghadi. Six other ministers -- two each from NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena took the oath of office. The Congress leader said he does not know whether his ally NCP will pitch Ajit Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister. On alleged manhandling of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra by Uttar Pradesh Police in Lucknow, Thorat said, "Those who do it should be suspended."

Congress to get 12 berths in Maharashtra cabinet expansion

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will expand his cabinet on Monday.

Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government currently has six cabinet ministers - two each from the three parties.&nbsp;

Over thirty ministers are likely to be inducted in the state cabinet tomorrow and take the oath administered by Maharashtra Governor BS Koshyari.&nbsp;

Leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government - comprising Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress - have had held a series of deliberations in the past weeks on cabinet expansion.

As per the seat-sharing formula agreed upon by the three parties, the Shiv Sena would get 15 ministers besides the chief minister while the NCP and the Congress would get 14 and 12 ministers in the cabinet respectively.

The total number of ministers in the Maharashtra cabinet is 42 which includes the chief minister.&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will expand his cabinet on Monday. Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government currently has six cabinet ministers - two each from the three parties.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will expand his cabinet on Monday. Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government currently has six cabinet ministers - two each from the three parties. Over thirty ministers are likely to be inducted in the state cabinet tomorrow and take the oath administered by Maharashtra Governor BS Koshyari. Leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government - comprising Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress - have had held a series of deliberations in the past weeks on cabinet expansion. As per the seat-sharing formula agreed upon by the three parties, the Shiv Sena would get 15 ministers besides the chief minister while the NCP and the Congress would get 14 and 12 ministers in the cabinet respectively. The total number of ministers in the Maharashtra cabinet is 42 which includes the chief minister.

Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray to expand state cabinet on Monday 

In India Citizenship amendment bill passed in Rajya Sabha. 125 votes are in favour of the bill and 105 votes are in against of the bill.

India: Citizenship amendment bill passed in Rajya Sabha

Senior NCP leader and NCP chief's daughter Supriya Sule said on Tuesday that it is the grandeur of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he considered me for a cabinet post.&nbsp;

Sule was responding to NCP supremo Sharad Pawar's claim, where he said that PM Modi suggested that the duo should "work together", suggesting BJP-NCP alliance in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uddhav-thackeray-sworn-in-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-chief-minister-265104">Maharashtra</a>. Pawar also said that an offer was made to give cabinet birth to Sule in Centre.&nbsp;

"It is the grandeur of the prime minister that he made such suggestions. I am grateful to him for the suggestion, but this cannot happen," Sule said.&nbsp;

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Nationalist Congress Party leader Supriya Sule on Sharad Pawar's claim that PM Modi offered cabinet berth for Sule if BJP-NCP alliance happens: Ye pradhan mantri ji ka badappan hai ki unhone aisa sujhav diya. Main unki aabhari hoon unhone kaha, lekin wo ho nahi paya. <a href="https://t.co/3dVyqKqDDU">pic.twitter.com/3dVyqKqDDU</a>
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Days before BJP, NCP and Congress were closing in on a deal to form government in Maharashtra, in a jolting move, BJP's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ajit-pawar-resigns-as-deputy-chief-minister-of-maharashtra-sources-264628">Devendra Fadnavis </a>took oath along with senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar for the post of CM and deputy CM respectively on November 23.

However, senior Pawar repeatedly denied any involvement of stitching an alliance with BJP and ultimately BJP-NCP-Congress government was formed in the state with Uddhav Thackeray as the chief minister on November 28.&nbsp;

Speaking on whether a disciplinary action will be taken against Sharad Pawar's nephew Ajit, Sule said that is an internal matter of their party and family. "He will always remain my elder brother and senior leader of the party," Sule said.&nbsp;

Long-term allies Shiv Sena and BJP formed an alliance for the Maharashtra Assembly polls but their ties got severed over power-sharing agreement. Sena then held talks with its traditional opponents, Congress and NCP, who later supported Sena and Maha Aghadi government was formed in Maharashtra.

(with inputs from ANI)

 
&nbsp;

Senior NCP leader and NCP chief's daughter Supriya Sule said on Tuesday that it is the grandeur of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he considered me for a cabinet post.

Senior NCP leader and NCP chief's daughter Supriya Sule said on Tuesday that it is the grandeur of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he considered me for a cabinet post. Sule was responding to NCP supremo Sharad Pawar's claim, where he said that PM Modi suggested that the duo should "work together", suggesting BJP-NCP alliance in Maharashtra. Pawar also said that an offer was made to give cabinet birth to Sule in Centre. "It is the grandeur of the prime minister that he made such suggestions. I am grateful to him for the suggestion, but this cannot happen," Sule said. Nationalist Congress Party leader Supriya Sule on Sharad Pawar's claim that PM Modi offered cabinet berth for Sule if BJP-NCP alliance happens: Ye pradhan mantri ji ka badappan hai ki unhone aisa sujhav diya. Main unki aabhari hoon unhone kaha, lekin wo ho nahi paya. pic.twitter.com/3dVyqKqDDU — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2019 × Days before BJP, NCP and Congress were closing in on a deal to form government in Maharashtra, in a jolting move, BJP's Devendra Fadnavis took oath along with senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar for the post of CM and deputy CM respectively on November 23. However, senior Pawar repeatedly denied any involvement of stitching an alliance with BJP and ultimately BJP-NCP-Congress government was formed in the state with Uddhav Thackeray as the chief minister on November 28. Speaking on whether a disciplinary action will be taken against Sharad Pawar's nephew Ajit, Sule said that is an internal matter of their party and family. "He will always remain my elder brother and senior leader of the party," Sule said. Long-term allies Shiv Sena and BJP formed an alliance for the Maharashtra Assembly polls but their ties got severed over power-sharing agreement. Sena then held talks with its traditional opponents, Congress and NCP, who later supported Sena and Maha Aghadi government was formed in Maharashtra. (with inputs from ANI)

Grateful to PM Narendra Modi for offering cabinet berth: NCP leader Supriya Sule

The Maharashtra Assembly was adjourned till December 16 on Sunday.

Earlier today, Congress MLA Nana Patole was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly after BJP withdrew its candidate for the post.

The Speaker was elected a day after Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray led Maharasthra Vikas Aghadi won the vote of confidence in the Legislative Assembly.

State BJP chief Chandrakant Patil announced the party's decision to take back the nomination of Kisan Kathore for the Assembly Speaker post after an all-party meeting this morning and before the end of the deadline of withdrawal of nomination ended at 10 am.

Barely an hour after the announcement, pro-tem Speaker formally announced Patole's election as the Speaker in the House.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the new Speaker and escorted him to the Speaker's chair to take charge.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Maharashtra Assembly was adjourned till December 16 on Sunday. Earlier today, Congress MLA Nana Patole was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly after BJP withdrew its candidate for the post.

The Maharashtra Assembly was adjourned till December 16 on Sunday. Earlier today, Congress MLA Nana Patole was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly after BJP withdrew its candidate for the post. The Speaker was elected a day after Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray led Maharasthra Vikas Aghadi won the vote of confidence in the Legislative Assembly. State BJP chief Chandrakant Patil announced the party's decision to take back the nomination of Kisan Kathore for the Assembly Speaker post after an all-party meeting this morning and before the end of the deadline of withdrawal of nomination ended at 10 am. Barely an hour after the announcement, pro-tem Speaker formally announced Patole's election as the Speaker in the House. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the new Speaker and escorted him to the Speaker's chair to take charge.

Maharashtra legislative Assembly adjourned till December 16

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and former chief minister of Maharashtra was elected as Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly on Sunday.

Speaker Nana Patole made the announcement in the House stating that BJP will be the opposition party in the assembly.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray greeted Fadnavis on his election and said he had learnt a lot from his predecessor. The CM also said that he "won't ever leave the ideology of Hindutva."

"I have learnt a lot of things from Devendra Fadvanis and I will always be friends with him. I am still with the ideology of 'Hindutva'&nbsp;and won't ever leave it. In the past 5 years, I've never betrayed the government," Thackeray said Fadnavis took the seat allocated to the Leader of Opposition soon after his election.

"I welcome Devendra Fadnavis as the Leader of Opposition. We have been together from the past 25 years and I didn't expect this day to come," he said.

The Shiv Sena chief, however, said that the BJP-Shiv Sena spilt would never have happened if the former was good to them.

"I won't call you (Devendra Fadnavis) an 'Opposition leader', but I will call you a 'responsible leader'. If you would have been good to us then, all this (BJP-Shiv Sena split) would have not happened," Thackeray said.

"I am a lucky CM because those who opposed me are now with me and those who I was with are now on the opposite side. I am here with my luck and blessings of people. I have never told anyone that I will be coming here but I came," Thackeray said in an apparent reference to Fadnavis poll campaign slogans 'I will be back'.

NCP leader Jayant Patil also took a jibe at Fadvanis saying, "Fadvanis was right in saying that he will come back but he didn't say he will be sitting on the opposite side."

Earlier today, Congress MLA Nana Patole was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the Assembly after BJP withdrew its candidate for the post.BJP and Shiv Sena alliance collapsed after BJP did not accept the latter's demand for equal power-sharing including rotation of the chief minister's post in the new government.

Sena later stitched an alliance -- Maha Vikas Aghadi -- with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress to form the new government with Uddhav Thackeray at the helm. 
&nbsp;

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and former chief minister of Maharashtra was elected as Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly on Sunday. Speaker Nana Patole made the announcement in the House stating that BJP will be the opposition party in the assembly.

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and former chief minister of Maharashtra was elected as Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly on Sunday. Speaker Nana Patole made the announcement in the House stating that BJP will be the opposition party in the assembly. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray greeted Fadnavis on his election and said he had learnt a lot from his predecessor. The CM also said that he "won't ever leave the ideology of Hindutva." "I have learnt a lot of things from Devendra Fadvanis and I will always be friends with him. I am still with the ideology of 'Hindutva' and won't ever leave it. In the past 5 years, I've never betrayed the government," Thackeray said Fadnavis took the seat allocated to the Leader of Opposition soon after his election. "I welcome Devendra Fadnavis as the Leader of Opposition. We have been together from the past 25 years and I didn't expect this day to come," he said. The Shiv Sena chief, however, said that the BJP-Shiv Sena spilt would never have happened if the former was good to them. "I won't call you (Devendra Fadnavis) an 'Opposition leader', but I will call you a 'responsible leader'. If you would have been good to us then, all this (BJP-Shiv Sena split) would have not happened," Thackeray said. "I am a lucky CM because those who opposed me are now with me and those who I was with are now on the opposite side. I am here with my luck and blessings of people. I have never told anyone that I will be coming here but I came," Thackeray said in an apparent reference to Fadnavis poll campaign slogans 'I will be back'. NCP leader Jayant Patil also took a jibe at Fadvanis saying, "Fadvanis was right in saying that he will come back but he didn't say he will be sitting on the opposite side." Earlier today, Congress MLA Nana Patole was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the Assembly after BJP withdrew its candidate for the post.BJP and Shiv Sena alliance collapsed after BJP did not accept the latter's demand for equal power-sharing including rotation of the chief minister's post in the new government. Sena later stitched an alliance -- Maha Vikas Aghadi -- with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress to form the new government with Uddhav Thackeray at the helm.

Maharashtra: Devendra Fadnavis elected Leader of Opposition

After the Maha Vikas Aghadi comfortably won the floor test in Maharashtra Assembly on Saturday, NCP leader Ajit Pawar said that the tri-party alliance has passed the first test and was confident of clearing the second test regarding the election of the Speaker.

"We have passed the first exam of floor test and the second test is for the speaker's post and we are confident of clearing it too," he said while speaking to reporters.

NCP's Nawab Malik slammed the BJP for walking out of the state Assembly ahead of the floor test saying that the party was only trying to save face.

"Oath taking ceremony was conducted, Vidhan Sabha session held and Pro tem speaker appointed with the consent of the Governor and floor test was held as per the orders of the Supreme Court. BJP is only trying to save face," he said.

Following weeks of political twists and turns, Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance, Maha Vikas Aghadi, on Saturday comfortably won the floor test in the Maharashtra Assembly with 169 votes in its favour.

Before the floor test proceeding started, opposition MLAs staged a walkout from the Assembly alleging that the special session was not convened as per rules.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

After the Maha Vikas Aghadi comfortably won the floor test in Maharashtra Assembly on Saturday, NCP leader Ajit Pawar said that the tri-party alliance has passed the first test and was confident of clearing the second test regarding the election of the Speaker.

After the Maha Vikas Aghadi comfortably won the floor test in Maharashtra Assembly on Saturday, NCP leader Ajit Pawar said that the tri-party alliance has passed the first test and was confident of clearing the second test regarding the election of the Speaker. "We have passed the first exam of floor test and the second test is for the speaker's post and we are confident of clearing it too," he said while speaking to reporters. NCP's Nawab Malik slammed the BJP for walking out of the state Assembly ahead of the floor test saying that the party was only trying to save face. "Oath taking ceremony was conducted, Vidhan Sabha session held and Pro tem speaker appointed with the consent of the Governor and floor test was held as per the orders of the Supreme Court. BJP is only trying to save face," he said. Following weeks of political twists and turns, Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance, Maha Vikas Aghadi, on Saturday comfortably won the floor test in the Maharashtra Assembly with 169 votes in its favour. Before the floor test proceeding started, opposition MLAs staged a walkout from the Assembly alleging that the special session was not convened as per rules.

We have passed first exam: Ajit Pawar on floor test

In Maharashtra, Uddhav govt proves majority after backed by 169 MLAs in the floor test. Watch this video to know more.

Maharashtra: Uddhav govt proves majority after backed by 169 MLAs in floor test

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray-led 'Maha Vikas Aghadi' government passed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ncp-congress-shiv-sena-alliance-in-maharashtra-will-prove-its-majority-during-floor-test-today-ajit-pawar-265380">floor test</a> on Saturday in the state assembly.&nbsp;

The alliance won a total of 169 votes&nbsp;amid a walkout by MLAs of the opposition parties.

The proceedings for the floor test started with Congress leader Ashok Chavan moving the motion for the trust vote.

NCP leader Nawab Malik and Shiv Sena's Sunil Prabhu seconded the proposal. Before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-maha-vikas-aghadi-government-to-face-trust-vote-today-sanjay-raut-claims-support-of-170-mlas-265349">floor test</a> proceeding started, opposition MLAs also staged a walkout from the Assembly in protest alleging that the special session was not convened as per rules.

The NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena alliance comfortably managed to pass the floor test today.

Alliance leader and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray took the oath as Maharashtra's 18th chief minister on Thursday, three days after Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar stepped down as chief minister and deputy chief minister as they could not prove majority in a Supreme Court-ordered floor test.&nbsp;

Ahead of the trust vote, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut expressed confidence of the alliance winning the floor test. Taking to Twitter, he claimed that the Maha Vikash Agadhi had the support of over 170 MLAs.

"Today is the day to prove majority... 170 +++++..." he tweeted.

On Sunday, a permanent Speaker will be elected and the name of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) will be also announced.

As per the assembly results, the Shiv Sena has 56 MLAs, NCP has 54 and Congress has 44 in the 288-member state assembly.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray-led 'Maha Vikas Aghadi' government passed the floor test on Saturday in the state assembly. The alliance won a total of 169 votes amid a walkout by MLAs of the opposition parties.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray-led 'Maha Vikas Aghadi' government passed the floor test on Saturday in the state assembly. The alliance won a total of 169 votes amid a walkout by MLAs of the opposition parties. The proceedings for the floor test started with Congress leader Ashok Chavan moving the motion for the trust vote. NCP leader Nawab Malik and Shiv Sena's Sunil Prabhu seconded the proposal. Before the floor test proceeding started, opposition MLAs also staged a walkout from the Assembly in protest alleging that the special session was not convened as per rules. The NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena alliance comfortably managed to pass the floor test today. Alliance leader and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray took the oath as Maharashtra's 18th chief minister on Thursday, three days after Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar stepped down as chief minister and deputy chief minister as they could not prove majority in a Supreme Court-ordered floor test. Ahead of the trust vote, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut expressed confidence of the alliance winning the floor test. Taking to Twitter, he claimed that the Maha Vikash Agadhi had the support of over 170 MLAs. "Today is the day to prove majority... 170 +++++..." he tweeted. On Sunday, a permanent Speaker will be elected and the name of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) will be also announced. As per the assembly results, the Shiv Sena has 56 MLAs, NCP has 54 and Congress has 44 in the 288-member state assembly.

Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray-led government passes floor test in state assembly 

The verdict in the corruption trial of Sudan's ousted president Omar al-Bashir is to be delivered on December 14, a judge announced Saturday, as his supporters staged a protest outside the court. Bashir, who was overthrown by the army in April, has been on trial in a Khartoum court since August on charges of illegally acquiring and using foreign funds -- offences that could land him behind bars for more than a decade.

WION Dispatch: Omar Al-Bashir's NCP in trouble

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Dilip Walse Patil was on Friday appointed as pro-tem Speaker in the Maharashtra Assembly.

A special session of the Maharashtra Assembly will be convened tomorrow where 'Maha Vikas Aghadi'&nbsp;government is likely to prove its majority in the 288-member House.

Speaking to ANI, Shiv Sena MLA Abdul Sattar said, "Floor test might take place tomorrow. We are ready. Earlier we had 162 MLAs, now we are 170 and the number will go up. But there is no doubt that this government has the majority."

Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of 'Maha Vikas Aghadi'&nbsp;-- Sena-NCP-Congress combine, took oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Thursday.

In fast-moving political developments on Tuesday, Fadnavis and Pawar resigned from their posts after the Supreme Court ordered the floor test the next day.

They were sworn-in as chief minister and deputy chief minister on Saturday morning.

Before submitting his resignation to Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Fadnavis held a press conference to announce that he did not have the requisite number of MLAs to prove a majority in the 288-member Assembly.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Dilip Walse Patil was on Friday appointed as pro-tem Speaker in the Maharashtra Assembly. A special session of the Maharashtra Assembly will be convened tomorrow where 'Maha Vikas Aghadi' government is likely to prove its majority in the 288-member House.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Dilip Walse Patil was on Friday appointed as pro-tem Speaker in the Maharashtra Assembly. A special session of the Maharashtra Assembly will be convened tomorrow where 'Maha Vikas Aghadi' government is likely to prove its majority in the 288-member House. Speaking to ANI, Shiv Sena MLA Abdul Sattar said, "Floor test might take place tomorrow. We are ready. Earlier we had 162 MLAs, now we are 170 and the number will go up. But there is no doubt that this government has the majority." Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of 'Maha Vikas Aghadi' -- Sena-NCP-Congress combine, took oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Thursday. In fast-moving political developments on Tuesday, Fadnavis and Pawar resigned from their posts after the Supreme Court ordered the floor test the next day. They were sworn-in as chief minister and deputy chief minister on Saturday morning. Before submitting his resignation to Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Fadnavis held a press conference to announce that he did not have the requisite number of MLAs to prove a majority in the 288-member Assembly.

NCP MLA Dilip Walse Patil appointed as pro-tem Speaker in Maharashtra Assembly

Congress interim president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-attacks-bjp-over-shameless-efforts-to-form-the-government-in-maharashtra-264991">Sonia Gandhi</a> is unlikely to participate in the swearing-in ceremony of Shiv Sena chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uddhav-thackeray-invites-pm-modi-for-oath-taking-ceremony-264970">Uddhav Thackeray</a> in Mumbai on Thursday.

On being asked if she will participate in the swearing-in ceremony of Uddhav Thackeray today, Gandhi said: "Not decided."

Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray on Wednesday met Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonai-gandhi-manmohan-singh-pay-tribute-to-indira-gandhi-on-birth-anniversary-263061">Manmohan Singh</a> and invited them for the swearing-in ceremony.

"We met Sonia Gandhi and Dr Manmohan Singh as their guidance and blessings are necessary. Now we are returning to Mumbai," Aaditya told media here.

Uddhav Thackeray, Sena chief and the leader of `Maha Vikas Aghadi` led by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-ncp-to-get-deputy-cm-portfolio-assembly-speaker-to-be-from-congress-264935">Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress</a> will take oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Thursday at Shivaji Park at 6.40 pm.

Around 400 farmers from various districts of Maharashtra have been invited for Thackeray`s swearing-in ceremony.

On Tuesday, Thackeray was unanimously elected as the leader of the tri-party alliance.

The political development came after BJP leader Devendra <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ajit-pawar-resigns-as-deputy-chief-minister-of-maharashtra-sources-264628">Fadnavis submitted his resignation</a> as Chief Minister to the Governor on Tuesday as "the BJP fell short of the required number of MLAs to win the scheduled floor test".

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi is unlikely to participate in the swearing-in ceremony of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai on Thursday. On being asked if she will participate in the swearing-in ceremony of Uddhav Thackeray today, Gandhi said: "Not decided.

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi is unlikely to participate in the swearing-in ceremony of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai on Thursday. On being asked if she will participate in the swearing-in ceremony of Uddhav Thackeray today, Gandhi said: "Not decided." Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray on Wednesday met Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh and invited them for the swearing-in ceremony. "We met Sonia Gandhi and Dr Manmohan Singh as their guidance and blessings are necessary. Now we are returning to Mumbai," Aaditya told media here. Uddhav Thackeray, Sena chief and the leader of `Maha Vikas Aghadi` led by Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress will take oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Thursday at Shivaji Park at 6.40 pm. Around 400 farmers from various districts of Maharashtra have been invited for Thackeray`s swearing-in ceremony. On Tuesday, Thackeray was unanimously elected as the leader of the tri-party alliance. The political development came after BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis submitted his resignation as Chief Minister to the Governor on Tuesday as "the BJP fell short of the required number of MLAs to win the scheduled floor test".

Sonia Gandhi unlikely to attend Uddhav Thackeray's swearing-in ceremony

Shiv Sena chief and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uddhav-thackeray-sworn-in-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-chief-minister-265104">Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray</a> on Thursday held his first cabinet meeting shortly after taking oath as the chief minister.&nbsp;

In one of the first decisions taken during the meet, Thackeray's cabinet decided to approve Rs 20 crores for the development of Raigad Fort, Thackeray announced, adding that his government will help the farmers "in a manner which will them happy".

"I am happy to tell you all that the first decision that this cabinet has taken is to approve Rs 20 Crores for the development of Raigad which was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," Thackeray said.&nbsp;

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Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray after first cabinet meeting, in Mumbai: I am happy to tell you all that the first decision that this cabinet has taken is to approve Rs 20 Crores for the development of Raigad which was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1200099279152410624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The chief minister assured good government to Maharashtra and assistance to farmers.

"I want to assure the people of the state that we will give a good government. I want to help the farmers in a manner which will make them happy," he said.&nbsp;

Thackeray said that he has asked officials to provide him with complete information on state and centre schemes for farmers in the next two days.&nbsp;

"Once I get all the details, I will take a decision accordingly," Thackeray told media.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/he-will-work-diligently-for-bright-future-of-maharashtra-pm-modi-congratulates-uddhav-thackeray-on-oath-taking-265114">Modi congratulated Uddhav Thackeray</a> for taking oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister and said that he is confident that Thackeray "will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra".

PM Modi took to microblogging site Twitter and posted, "Congratulations to Uddhav Thackeray Ji on taking oath as the CM of Maharashtra. I am confident he will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra".

Thackeray's first cabinet meeting was held at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai.

Earlier, in the day, six leaders - two each from Congress, Shiv Sena, and NCP - took oath as ministers in Maharashtra's alliance government on Thursday led by Chief Minister Thackeray.

They were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Shivaji Park.

Congress' Balasaheb Thorat and Nitin Raut, NCP's Jayant Rajaram Patil, and Chhagan Chandrakant Bhujbal took oath as ministers. From Shiv Sena, Eknath Shinde and Subhash Desai were sworn in as ministers.

Shiv Sena chief and Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday held his first cabinet meeting shortly after taking oath as the chief minister. In one of the first decisions taken during the meet, Thackeray's cabinet decided to approve Rs 20 crores for the development of Raigad Fort, Thackeray announced, adding that his government will help the farmers "in a manner which will them happy".

Shiv Sena chief and Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday held his first cabinet meeting shortly after taking oath as the chief minister. In one of the first decisions taken during the meet, Thackeray's cabinet decided to approve Rs 20 crores for the development of Raigad Fort, Thackeray announced, adding that his government will help the farmers "in a manner which will them happy". "I am happy to tell you all that the first decision that this cabinet has taken is to approve Rs 20 Crores for the development of Raigad which was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," Thackeray said. Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray after first cabinet meeting, in Mumbai: I am happy to tell you all that the first decision that this cabinet has taken is to approve Rs 20 Crores for the development of Raigad which was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2019 × The chief minister assured good government to Maharashtra and assistance to farmers. "I want to assure the people of the state that we will give a good government. I want to help the farmers in a manner which will make them happy," he said. Thackeray said that he has asked officials to provide him with complete information on state and centre schemes for farmers in the next two days. "Once I get all the details, I will take a decision accordingly," Thackeray told media. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Uddhav Thackeray for taking oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister and said that he is confident that Thackeray "will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra". PM Modi took to microblogging site Twitter and posted, "Congratulations to Uddhav Thackeray Ji on taking oath as the CM of Maharashtra. I am confident he will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra". Thackeray's first cabinet meeting was held at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai. Earlier, in the day, six leaders - two each from Congress, Shiv Sena, and NCP - took oath as ministers in Maharashtra's alliance government on Thursday led by Chief Minister Thackeray. They were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Shivaji Park. Congress' Balasaheb Thorat and Nitin Raut, NCP's Jayant Rajaram Patil, and Chhagan Chandrakant Bhujbal took oath as ministers. From Shiv Sena, Eknath Shinde and Subhash Desai were sworn in as ministers.

Farmers' issue, Raigad fort on Uddhav's priority after first cabinet meeting

Six leaders -- two each from Congress, Shiv Sena, and NCP -- took oath as ministers in Maharashtra`s alliance government on Thursday led by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

They were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Shivaji Park.

Congress` Balasaheb Thorat and Nitin Raut, NCP`s Jayant Rajaram Patil, and Chhagan Chandrakant Bhujbal took oath as ministers. From Shiv Sena, Eknath Shinde and Subhash Desai were sworn in as ministers.

Uddhav is the first member of the Thackeray family to become the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and the third Shiv Sena leader to hold the top post after Manohar Joshi and Narayan Rane.

He is leading a government of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, an alliance of Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Congress.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Kapil Sibbal, KTS Tulsi, MK Stalin, SK Shinde, Sanjay Raut, and Prithviraj Chavan, MNS leader and Uddhav`s cousin Raj Thackeray were among several leaders who attended the oath-taking ceremony.

On Tuesday, Thackeray had been unanimously elected as the leader of the tri-party alliance -- Maha Vikas Aghadi.

&nbsp;

Six leaders -- two each from Congress, Shiv Sena, and NCP -- took oath as ministers in Maharashtra`s alliance government on Thursday led by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Six leaders -- two each from Congress, Shiv Sena, and NCP -- took oath as ministers in Maharashtra`s alliance government on Thursday led by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. They were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Shivaji Park. Congress` Balasaheb Thorat and Nitin Raut, NCP`s Jayant Rajaram Patil, and Chhagan Chandrakant Bhujbal took oath as ministers. From Shiv Sena, Eknath Shinde and Subhash Desai were sworn in as ministers. Uddhav is the first member of the Thackeray family to become the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and the third Shiv Sena leader to hold the top post after Manohar Joshi and Narayan Rane. He is leading a government of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, an alliance of Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Congress. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Kapil Sibbal, KTS Tulsi, MK Stalin, SK Shinde, Sanjay Raut, and Prithviraj Chavan, MNS leader and Uddhav`s cousin Raj Thackeray were among several leaders who attended the oath-taking ceremony. On Tuesday, Thackeray had been unanimously elected as the leader of the tri-party alliance -- Maha Vikas Aghadi.

Maharashtra: Six others take oath as ministers of Uddhav-led 'Maha Vikas Aghadi' government

Shiv Sena president and leader of Sena-NCP-Congress alliance Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday took oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

This ceremony has put an end to a month-long political drama following the assembly elections in Maharashtra.

Congress-NCP-Sena alliance has been named 'Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi.

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The oath-taking ceremony was held at Shivaji Park ground, which is located in Mumbai's Dadar, a ten-minute walk from the Shiv Sena Bhavan. Shivaji Park has a long association with the Shiv Sena. The 28-acres ground was the venue of the first public rally of Bal Thackeray in 1966.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray also invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his oath-taking ceremony.

Shiv Sena party sources confirmed the news and said that Thackeray spoke to the Prime Minister over the phone and invited him.

Around 400 farmers from various districts of Maharashtra have been invited for Thackeray`s swearing-in ceremony, the ANI report added.&nbsp;

Both Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Sonia Gandhi did not attend the swearing-in ceremony. Other non-BJP regional satraps like MK Stalin and Mamta Banerjee are also absent from the swearing-in ceremony which stands in stark contrast to the way opposition leaders came to see Kumaraswamy's swearing ceremony in Bengaluru in 2017.

The three-party alliance has agreed on a common minimum programme and have agreed to insert the word secular in its preamble.

Shiv Sena president and leader of Sena-NCP-Congress alliance Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday took oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. This ceremony has put an end to a month-long political drama following the assembly elections in Maharashtra.

Shiv Sena president and leader of Sena-NCP-Congress alliance Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday took oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. This ceremony has put an end to a month-long political drama following the assembly elections in Maharashtra. Congress-NCP-Sena alliance has been named 'Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi. #WATCH Uddhav Thackeray takes oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra. #Mumbai pic.twitter.com/pKaAjqYvWM — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2019 × The oath-taking ceremony was held at Shivaji Park ground, which is located in Mumbai's Dadar, a ten-minute walk from the Shiv Sena Bhavan. Shivaji Park has a long association with the Shiv Sena. The 28-acres ground was the venue of the first public rally of Bal Thackeray in 1966. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray also invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his oath-taking ceremony. Shiv Sena party sources confirmed the news and said that Thackeray spoke to the Prime Minister over the phone and invited him. Around 400 farmers from various districts of Maharashtra have been invited for Thackeray`s swearing-in ceremony, the ANI report added. Both Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Sonia Gandhi did not attend the swearing-in ceremony. Other non-BJP regional satraps like MK Stalin and Mamta Banerjee are also absent from the swearing-in ceremony which stands in stark contrast to the way opposition leaders came to see Kumaraswamy's swearing ceremony in Bengaluru in 2017. The three-party alliance has agreed on a common minimum programme and have agreed to insert the word secular in its preamble.

Uddhav Thackeray sworn in as the chief minister of Maharashtra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray for taking <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uddhav-thackeray-sworn-in-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-chief-minister-265104">oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister</a> and said that he is confident that Thackeray "will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra".

PM Modi took to microblogging site Twitter and posted, "Congratulations to Uddhav Thackeray Ji on taking oath as the CM of Maharashtra. I am confident he will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra".

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Congratulations to Uddhav Thackeray Ji on taking oath as the CM of Maharashtra. I am confident he will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra. <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeofUT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficeofUT</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1200048700556492802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Thackeray took oath as Maharashtra CM, putting an end to the month-long political impasse in the state. Thackeray is the leader of the NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena alliance which has been named 'Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi.

The oath-taking ceremony was held at Shivaji Park ground, which is located in Mumbai's Dadar, a ten-minute walk from the Shiv Sena Bhavan. Shivaji Park has a long association with the Shiv Sena. The 28-acres ground was the venue of the first public rally of Bal Thackeray in 1966.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray for taking oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister and said that he is confident that Thackeray "will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray for taking oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister and said that he is confident that Thackeray "will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra". PM Modi took to microblogging site Twitter and posted, "Congratulations to Uddhav Thackeray Ji on taking oath as the CM of Maharashtra. I am confident he will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra". Congratulations to Uddhav Thackeray Ji on taking oath as the CM of Maharashtra. I am confident he will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra. @OfficeofUT — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 28, 2019 × Thackeray took oath as Maharashtra CM, putting an end to the month-long political impasse in the state. Thackeray is the leader of the NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena alliance which has been named 'Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi. The oath-taking ceremony was held at Shivaji Park ground, which is located in Mumbai's Dadar, a ten-minute walk from the Shiv Sena Bhavan. Shivaji Park has a long association with the Shiv Sena. The 28-acres ground was the venue of the first public rally of Bal Thackeray in 1966.

He will work diligently for Maharashtra's bright future: PM Modi congratulates Uddhav Thackeray

NCP leader Ajit Pawar will not be sworn-in as a member of Uddhav Thackeray government today evening.

Speaking to reporters after attending a meeting, Pawar said that the NCP has yet to make a decision in this regard.

"I am not taking oath today. Today six leaders will be taking oath two from each party," Ajit said.

He further said, "The decision on deputy chief minister is yet to be taken by the party."

The NCP leader was speaking to media after a meeting of Jayant Patil, Prafull Patel, Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar here. Ajit resigned as the deputy chief minister in the Devendra Fadnavis government on Monday, three days after he took the oath of the office.

According to sources, NCP, Shiv Sena and Congress are discussing to increase the number of leaders who will be taking oath at Shivaji Park today evening.

Uddhav Thackeray will be taking oath as the chief minister more than a month after the declaration of Assembly election results on October 24.

Political uncertainty continued for weeks after Shiv Sena, the then ally of the BJP, demanded rotation of the chief minister`s post and equal power-sharing, something rejected by the later.

NCP leader Ajit Pawar will not be sworn-in as a member of Uddhav Thackeray government today evening. Speaking to reporters after attending a meeting, Pawar said that the NCP has yet to make a decision in this regard.

NCP leader Ajit Pawar will not be sworn-in as a member of Uddhav Thackeray government today evening. Speaking to reporters after attending a meeting, Pawar said that the NCP has yet to make a decision in this regard. "I am not taking oath today. Today six leaders will be taking oath two from each party," Ajit said. He further said, "The decision on deputy chief minister is yet to be taken by the party." The NCP leader was speaking to media after a meeting of Jayant Patil, Prafull Patel, Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar here. Ajit resigned as the deputy chief minister in the Devendra Fadnavis government on Monday, three days after he took the oath of the office. According to sources, NCP, Shiv Sena and Congress are discussing to increase the number of leaders who will be taking oath at Shivaji Park today evening. Uddhav Thackeray will be taking oath as the chief minister more than a month after the declaration of Assembly election results on October 24. Political uncertainty continued for weeks after Shiv Sena, the then ally of the BJP, demanded rotation of the chief minister`s post and equal power-sharing, something rejected by the later.

Not taking oath today, says Ajit Pawar; 6 leaders form Sena, Congress, NCP to take oath

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to grant an urgent hearing on a petition filed against Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance for staking claim to form the government in Maharashtra by "breaching of trust of voters against the mandate".

A bench headed Chief Justice S A Bobde denied urgent hearing after a lawyer mentioned the matter before it.

He sought an urgent hearing in the matter and sought a direction to restrain Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari from inviting Shiv Sena-NCP-INC alliance to form the government.

This came a day after BJP's Devendra Fadnavis resigned from the post of Maharashtra Chief Minister hours after the apex court directed a floor test to be conducted in the Assembly.

Later in the evening, the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress combine met Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and staked claim to form the government in Maharashtra, following which the Governor announced that Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will take oath as the Chief Minister of the state on November 28.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to grant an urgent hearing on a petition filed against Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance for staking claim to form the government in Maharashtra by "breaching of trust of voters against the mandate".

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to grant an urgent hearing on a petition filed against Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance for staking claim to form the government in Maharashtra by "breaching of trust of voters against the mandate". A bench headed Chief Justice S A Bobde denied urgent hearing after a lawyer mentioned the matter before it. He sought an urgent hearing in the matter and sought a direction to restrain Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari from inviting Shiv Sena-NCP-INC alliance to form the government. This came a day after BJP's Devendra Fadnavis resigned from the post of Maharashtra Chief Minister hours after the apex court directed a floor test to be conducted in the Assembly. Later in the evening, the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress combine met Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and staked claim to form the government in Maharashtra, following which the Governor announced that Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will take oath as the Chief Minister of the state on November 28.

Supreme Court refuses urgent hearing in plea against Congress-Shiv Sena-NCP Maharashtra alliance

NCP leader Praful Patel on Wednesday confirmed that the only Deputy Chief Minister in the new Maharashtra government will be from his party while the post of Assembly Speaker will go to the Congress.

"There will be only one Deputy Chief Minister and that will be from the NCP," he said while speaking to reporters after a meeting of Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena MLAs.

"How many ministers take the oath will be decided tonight. One or two MLAs from each party will take oath as ministers. The Speaker has been decided by all three parties. The Speaker will be from the Congress and Deputy Speaker from the NCP," added Patel.

The NCP leader, however, also clarified that "it is not decided yet how many ministers will take the oath with the Chief Minister tomorrow."

Uddhav Thackeray is set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on November 28 and form a government led by the Maha Vikas Aghadi, an alliance of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress in the state.

"As requested today orally, the oath of office and secrecy would be administered to you (Uddhav Thackeray) on Thursday, November 28, 2019, at 18:40 hrs at Shivaji Park, Dadar, Mumbai," the Governor said in a letter on Tuesday.

MLAs of NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena had met the Governor and submitted a letter declaring Shiv Sena Chief Udhhav Thackeray as their leader late on Tuesday, following which, Koshyari issued the directives.

On Tuesday, Thackeray was unanimously elected as the leader of the tri-party alliance. This comes after BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis submitted his resignation as Chief Minister to the Governor on Tuesday as "the BJP fell short of the required number of MLAs to win the scheduled floor test".&nbsp;

NCP leader Praful Patel on Wednesday confirmed that the only Deputy Chief Minister in the new Maharashtra government will be from his party while the post of Assembly Speaker will go to the Congress.

NCP leader Praful Patel on Wednesday confirmed that the only Deputy Chief Minister in the new Maharashtra government will be from his party while the post of Assembly Speaker will go to the Congress. "There will be only one Deputy Chief Minister and that will be from the NCP," he said while speaking to reporters after a meeting of Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena MLAs. "How many ministers take the oath will be decided tonight. One or two MLAs from each party will take oath as ministers. The Speaker has been decided by all three parties. The Speaker will be from the Congress and Deputy Speaker from the NCP," added Patel. The NCP leader, however, also clarified that "it is not decided yet how many ministers will take the oath with the Chief Minister tomorrow." Uddhav Thackeray is set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on November 28 and form a government led by the Maha Vikas Aghadi, an alliance of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress in the state. "As requested today orally, the oath of office and secrecy would be administered to you (Uddhav Thackeray) on Thursday, November 28, 2019, at 18:40 hrs at Shivaji Park, Dadar, Mumbai," the Governor said in a letter on Tuesday. MLAs of NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena had met the Governor and submitted a letter declaring Shiv Sena Chief Udhhav Thackeray as their leader late on Tuesday, following which, Koshyari issued the directives. On Tuesday, Thackeray was unanimously elected as the leader of the tri-party alliance. This comes after BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis submitted his resignation as Chief Minister to the Governor on Tuesday as "the BJP fell short of the required number of MLAs to win the scheduled floor test".

Deputy CM to be from NCP, Congress to have Assembly Speaker: Praful Patel

Apart from the Chief Minister portfolio, Shiv Sena will have 15 ministers in Maharashtra cabinet while Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will have Deputy Chief Minister and 13 other ministers, sources said on Wednesday.

Congress will have Assembly Speaker and 13 ministers. "Apart from Chief Minister, Shiv Sena to have 15 ministers, NCP to have Deputy Chief Minister and 13 other ministers. Congress to have Assembly Speaker and 13 ministers," sources told ANI.

This comes amid the ongoing talks of Maha Vikas Aghadi of NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena to give shape to the new government to be formed under Uddhav Thackeray.

Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Congress chief Balasaheb Thorat said the sharing of portfolios among the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress in the next state government will be finalised in a couple of days.

After the BJP-led government collapsed on Tuesday, Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress along with some small allies and Independents have chosen Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, who is scheduled take oath on Thursday at Shivaji Park at 6.40 pm.

The oath-taking ceremony of the newly-elected MLAs was conducted in Maharashtra Assembly in a special session on Wednesday after days of political uncertainty in the state.

They were administered oath by newly appointed pro-tem speaker Kalidas Kolambkar here at the Raj Bhavan.

Today's session comes a day after BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis resigned as Maharashtra Chief Minister merely three days after he took oath in a controversial turn of events.

Yesterday evening, the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress combine met Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and staked claim to form the government, following which the Governor announced that Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will take oath as the Chief Minister of the state.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Apart from the Chief Minister portfolio, Shiv Sena will have 15 ministers in Maharashtra cabinet while Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will have Deputy Chief Minister and 13 other ministers, sources said on Wednesday.

Apart from the Chief Minister portfolio, Shiv Sena will have 15 ministers in Maharashtra cabinet while Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will have Deputy Chief Minister and 13 other ministers, sources said on Wednesday. Congress will have Assembly Speaker and 13 ministers. "Apart from Chief Minister, Shiv Sena to have 15 ministers, NCP to have Deputy Chief Minister and 13 other ministers. Congress to have Assembly Speaker and 13 ministers," sources told ANI. This comes amid the ongoing talks of Maha Vikas Aghadi of NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena to give shape to the new government to be formed under Uddhav Thackeray. Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Congress chief Balasaheb Thorat said the sharing of portfolios among the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress in the next state government will be finalised in a couple of days. After the BJP-led government collapsed on Tuesday, Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress along with some small allies and Independents have chosen Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, who is scheduled take oath on Thursday at Shivaji Park at 6.40 pm. The oath-taking ceremony of the newly-elected MLAs was conducted in Maharashtra Assembly in a special session on Wednesday after days of political uncertainty in the state. They were administered oath by newly appointed pro-tem speaker Kalidas Kolambkar here at the Raj Bhavan. Today's session comes a day after BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis resigned as Maharashtra Chief Minister merely three days after he took oath in a controversial turn of events. Yesterday evening, the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress combine met Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and staked claim to form the government, following which the Governor announced that Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will take oath as the Chief Minister of the state.

Maharashtra: NCP to get Deputy CM portfolio, Assembly Speaker to be from Congress

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