Way paved for BJP-led Govt in Maharashtra, Fadnavis poised to return as Chief Minister for 3rd time

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The way is clear for the formation of a BJP-led government in Maharashtra after the resignation of the Uddhav Thackeray government, as it is the single-largest party in the state assembly with 106 MLAs.</p>
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As Leader of the Opposition, Devendra Fadnavis is likely to stake his claim to the Chief Minister's post for the third time. Fadnavis, who met the party's top leadership twice this week in Delhi, said that the future course of action will be announced today.</p>
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Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, who parted ways with Uddhav Thackeray and took a majority of the party’s MLAs with him, is likely to be the deputy chief minister in the new alliance with the BJP.</p>
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The Maharashtra BJP tweeted a video clip of a speech in Marathi by Mr Fadnavis with the caption:  "I will come again. For the creation of a new Maharashtra!  Jai Maharashtra".</p>
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Mr Thackeray stepped down from the top post, shortly after the Supreme Court ruled that his government has to take a floor test at 11 am on Thursday as ordered by the Governor. His support had been reduced to just about 15 MLAs in his party.</p>
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The BJP is likely to hold a series of meetings to deliberate on the formation of government in the state along with the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs led by Eknath Shinde, which had been camping in first Surat, then Guwahati and had landed in Goa on Wednesday night.</p>
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The BJP will approach the Governor to stake claim to form the government, which the Shinde faction would back with their 39 Shiv Sena MLAs and other independents.</p>
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Meanwhile, Maharashtra Assembly Secretary Rajendra Bhagwat has informed all state MLAs that the special session that was scheduled on Thursday will now not be convened as there is no need for a floor test with Uddhav Thackeray having resigned as the Chief Minister.</p>
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