Elections in Maharashtra on 21st May
Giving a relief to CM Uddhav Thackeray, the Election Commission has decided to hold elections in Maharashtra before May 27.
According to the rules of the Constitution, when a Chief Minister, Prime Minister, or President is elected they need to be a MP or MLA. If they are not, then after assuming office, they must become MLA or MP in the next 6 months. If they are not elected they have to step down from their post. The Shiv Sena and NCP had earlier won the elections and formed the government in Maharashtra. Uddhav Thackeray was elected as the Chief Minister. However when Uddhav was elected as CM he was not a MLA.
Since Uddhav was not an MLA, he had a deadline till 3rd April to become MLA. If he is not elected then he would have to step down as CM. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the deadline was then postponed to 27th May. Elections across the country have been put on hold because of the fear of the virus spreading. The Maharashtra Governor BS Koshyari had sent a letter to the Election Commission saying that, many safety precautions have been taken by the government and the elections can be held in a safe manner. Also lockdown has lifted in many areas due to a reduction in cases.
The Shiv Sena & NCP government said that right now it is very important to have a stable government. Because the virus has spread across Maharashtra and the government needs to be strong. The Elections Commision after reviewing all this has decided that elections will be held in Maharashtra on 21st May. The EC has ordered them to follow all the rules and regulations and ensure safety. Elections for 9 MLA seats will be held.
