Corona crisis results in constitutional crisis in Maharashtra

Maharashtra faces a constitutional crisis as Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray who was to contest election couldn't do so as the coronavirus crisis forced the Election Commission to defer the election indefinitely.

New Delhi: The novel coronavirus outbreak, which has completely disrupted life all across India, has brought a constitutional crisis in Maharashtra.

Reportedly, if Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray does not find a constitutional way out, he might have to resign. The constitution requires him to become a member of either of the two houses of Maharashtra legislature before or on May 28.

Article 164 of the constitution allows a non-legislator to occupy a post in the council of ministers, including the office of the chief minister for six months. His deadline ends on May 28.

The election that Thackeray was supposed to contest, was to be held on March 26, however, the coronavirus crisis forced the Election Commission to defer the election indefinitely.

Now, demands are being made that he be nominated by the governor as article 171 of the constitution allows him to do so, but there has been no word on it from the party as yet.

Sources say it would be interesting to see if the governor would agree to the demand, especially when Thackeray has already spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.