Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray COVID-positive amid political crisis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday tested positive for COVID-19, moments before the Cabinet meeting scheduled for 1pm.

Reportedly, however, Thackeray attended the meeting virtually, amid speculation about the potential dissolution of the Maharashtra Assembly, precipitated by MLA Eknath Shinde‘s rebellion.

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News of Thackeray’s diagnosis was shared by Congress observer for the state and leader Kamal Nath, hours after Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari also tested positive for COVID-19 and was admitted to the Reliance Foundation Hospital in south Mumbai.

“Governor has COVID symptoms. Which is why he is admitted to the hospital. He is stable and there are no such talks of handing over his charge to the other Governor. If anyone wants to get in contact with the Governor, can do it via Video Conference,” Raj Bhavan said in a statement.

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The developments come at a time when Shinde and reportedly at least 40 other MLAs have flown to Guwahati to discuss their next steps, a number that could

While Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut had hinted that the Maharashtra Assembly could be dissolved as a result of the ongoing political crisis, he later claimed to have had “positive” discussions with Shinde.

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“It is difficult for him [Shinde] to leave the party and it will be difficult for us [the Sena] to leave him. Our dialogue is on. We spoke for an hour in the morning. Talks are also on with the MLAs who are with Shinde,” the Sena spokesperson said.

“Our talks with him are taking place in a cordial manner and they have been positive,” Raut further said, adding, “He is a Shiv Sainik and it appears that he will stay in the Shiv Sena and spend his life in the party.”