CM UDDHAV THACKERAY LEAVES OFFICIAL RESIDENCE

(The Quiver): Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray was seen moving back to “Matoshree” — his family home — from his official residence “Varsha” this evening, shortly after delivering an emotional speech for the rebels led by Eknath Shinde.

Mr Thackeray has tested positive for Covid. But his shift to the family home, strongly associated with party founder and father Balasaheb Thackeray, was seen as carrying a message.

Earlier today, delivering a Facebook live address — his first public reaction to the political crisis that engulfed his government — Mr Thackeray said, “If my own people don’t want me as Chief Minister, he should walk up to me and say so… I’m ready to resign… I am Balasaheb’s son, I am not after a post… If you want me to resign, let me resign and take all my belongings to Matoshree”.

There, however, was a rider. “I’m willing to step down, but can you promise me that the next chief minister will be from Shiv Sena?”

This was seen a direct challenge to Eknath Shinde, who has been projecting his faction as the real Shiv Sena and has been citing the Hindutva ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray, indicating that the Sena under his son was a “lite” version.

For the rebels, this is practically an impossible wish list in the event they topple Mr Thackeray’s government and help the BJP come to power.

The BJP’s refusal to offer Mr Thackeray the top post was one of the key factors that drove a wedge between the long-time allies and led to the end of the alliance.