Arvind Sawant's portfolio given to Javadekar, as Sena Min steps down

A day after Shiv Sena's Union Minister Arvind Sawant resigned from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet, BJP leader and Union Minister Prakash Javadekar has been given additional charge of his Ministry. Accepting Sawant's resignation, President Ram Nath Kovind directed that Javadekar be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, that was held by Sawant, in addition to his existing portfolios. Prakash Javadekar is currently the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Here is the press release from the Rashtrapati Bhavan:

RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN

PRESS COMMUNIQUE

The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, has accepted the resignation of Shri Arvind Ganpat Sawant from the Union Council of Ministers, with immediate effect, under clause (2) of Article 75 of the Constitution.

Further, as advised by the Prime Minister, the President has directed that Shri Prakash Javadekar, Cabinet Minister, be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, in addition to his existing portfolios.

For immediate release.

(Ajay Kumar Singh)

Press Secretary to the President

12.11.2019

Arvind Sawant resigned

Union Minister and Shiv Sena leader Arvind Sawant resigned on Monday, calling himself a "true Shiv Sainik". Amid uncertainty over government formation in Maharashtra, Sawant's resignation from PM Modi's cabinet comes as a significant development in the ongoing Maharashtra political crisis. "Our alliance in the state is dead and a new government is going to be formed. In such a situation, for me to continue in my post is not moral or appropriate. Hence, I have tendered my resignation to Prime Minister Modi," he said. On being asked if the Shiv Sena has separated from the NDA at the Centre, he added, "As I have already submitted my resignation to PM Modi, you can understand what it means," he said in the press conference.

READ: Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant announces resignation from BJP government

Developments in Maharashtra

In a minute-by-minute changing dynamics of Maharashtra politics, Congress leader KC Venugopal said that Congress is still discussing the formation of a government with the NCP and has to extended Outer support to the Shiv Sena. This official declaration came even as Shiv Sena reached its deadline of 7.30 PM to form the government in Maharashtra. The NCP, on the other hand, placed the onus of decision-making on Congress, saying they will take the decision only after Congress decides. After BJP on Sunday announced that it won't form government, Governor had invited the second largest party - Shiv Sena to form the government. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant also resigned from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet. 

READ: HD Deve Gowda asks Congress to 'not disturb' govt if allied with Sena

Maharashtra assembly elections 

The stalemate in the state is a result of the fallout of the Mahayuti alliance partners- BJP and Shiv Sena over the post of Chief Minister in the state. While both blamed each other of betraying people's mandate, BJP made it clear to the governor that it would not form government as Sena does not wish to negotiate. In the assembly polls, the Mahayuti alliance partners won a total of 161 seats - BJP won 105 seats and Shiv Sena won 56 seats. The Mahagadhi made a comeback bagging 98 seats - (NCP 54 seats and Congress 44 seats.)

READ: Senior Congress leaders to not meet with Pawar; NCP mulls govt forming

READ: HIGH DRAMA: Shiv Sena out of time, Maha Guv invites NCP to form govt