Live: CM Uddhav Thackeray sanctions Rs 20 crore for Raigad, assures help for Maharashtra farmers

''Secular ka matlab kya hai? Samvidhan mein jo kuch hai woh hai: Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray on being asked 'has Shiv Sena has become secular?'

I have asked officials to provide me with complete information on state and central schemes for farmers in the next two days. Once I get all the details, I will take a decision accordingly: CM Uddhav

I am happy to tell you all that the first decision that this cabinet has taken is to approve Rs 20 Crores for the development of Raigad which was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray after the first cabinet meeting in Mumbai.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray is currently chairing the first meeting of his cabinet at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai. 

Maharashtra Ministers Chhagan Bhujbal and Subhash Desai arrive at Sahyadri Guest House for the first cabinet meeting.

NCP leader Ajit Pawar tweets, "Congratulations and best wishes to the Shiv Sena Party Chief Hon. Uddhav Thackeray Ji on becoming the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Under his leadership, the state will develop as a whole."

Congratulations to Uddhav Ji on becoming Maharashtra CM. We'll see how far their 3-wheeler cart goes. Only Sharad Pawar Ji is keeping this unnatural alliance together, Congress doesn't even have 10% say in the govt. They are just watching over from Delhi: Poonam Mahajan, BJP. 

Shiv Sena workers celebrate in Jammu after Uddhav Thackeray takes oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister in Mumbai.

Jammu & Kashmir: Shiv Sena workers celebrate in Jammu, after Uddhav Thackeray takes oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/wFAmZX2G3M

— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2019

PM Narendra Modi tweets, "Congratulations to Uddhav Thackeray Ji on taking oath as the CM of Maharashtra. I am confident he will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra."

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray, along with his wife Rashmi and son Aaditya offer prayers at the famous Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai.

Mumbai: Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray, along with his wife Rashmi & their son Aaditya Thackeray offer prayers at Siddhivinayak Temple. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/54eOi1jgG6

— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2019

Widespread celebrations have begun after the oath-taking ceremony of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and others concluded at the iconic Shivaji Park in Mumbai.

Mumbai: The oath-taking ceremony of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray & others concludes. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/ShtgPL1OS7

— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2019

Congress leaders Balasaheb Thorat and Nitin Raut also take oath as Maharashtra ministers.

#Maharashtra: Congress leaders Balasaheb Thorat and Nitin Raut take oath as Ministers. pic.twitter.com/exY9bMoOTN

— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2019

Uddhav Thackeray waves at his supporters after taking oath as the 18th Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

#Mumbai: Uddhav Thackeray after taking oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. pic.twitter.com/FWthTdmWaf

— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2019

NCP leader Chhagan Chandrakant Bhujbal takes oath as minister of the NCP-Sena-Congress government in Maharashtra. 

Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party leader Chhagan Chandrakant Bhujbal takes oath as minister. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/vwSvPz4fyn

— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2019

NCP leader Jayant Rajaram Patil takes oath as minister in the Uddhav Thackeray-led alliance government in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra: NCP leader Jayant Rajaram Patil takes oath as minister in Mumbai. https://t.co/QWnDgjf9lZ pic.twitter.com/i9US6vsVvW

— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2019

Shiv Sena leaders Eknath Shinde and Subhash Desai take oath as ministers. 

Mumbai: Shiv Sena leaders Eknath Shinde and Subhash Desai take oath as ministers. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/RkyOdP6qRy

— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2019

After Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, party leader Eknath Shambhaji Shinde takes oath. 

Uddhav Thackeray takes oath as Maharashtra CM, to hold first cabinet meeting at 8 PM.

Uddhav Thackeray arrives at Shivaji Park, to take oath as Maharashtra CM shortly. 

Dr Manmohan Singh writes to Uddhav Thackeray, says, ''I am very happy to know that you are taking oath as the 19th Chief Minister of Maharashtra. It is a historic event and I commend you on your visionary leadership.''

Dr.Manmohan Singh in a letter to Uddhav Thackeray: I am very happy to know that you are taking oath as the 19th Chief Minister of Maharashtra. It is a historic event and I commend you on your visionary leadership. pic.twitter.com/6U7pUumX7r

— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2019

MNS chief Raj Thackeray arrives at oath ceremony of CM-designate Uddhav Thackeray and other Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders. 

Mumbai: MNS Chief Raj Thackeray arrives at oath ceremony of CM designate Uddhav Thackeray and other Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/U3vonxZCmZ

— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2019

DMK chief MK Stalin, party leader TR Baalu present with Congress leader Ahmed Patel and NCP leader Praful Patel at the oath ceremony of Uddhav Thackeray and other Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders.

Mumbai: DMK Chief MK Stalin, DMK leader TR Baalu with Congress leader Ahmed Patel and NCP leader Praful Patel at oath ceremony of Uddhav Thackeray and other Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders pic.twitter.com/rKTcEIs06B

— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2019

NCP chief Sharad Pawar, party leaders Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil, Shiv Sena's Manohar Joshi, Congress leaders Ashok Chavan and Prithviraj Chavan reach the venue for the swearing-in ceremony.

Rahul Gandhi writes a letter to Uddhav Thackeray, says, ''I am glad that Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi has come together to defeat the BJP's attempt to undermine our democracy. I regret that I am unable to be present at the function.''

After the swearing-in ceremony, Uddhav Thackeray will hold the first state cabinet meeting on Thursday night at the Mantralaya. A decision on farmers loan waiver likely to be taken.

Ahead of Uddhav Thackeray’s swearing-in, NCP leader Ajit Pawar said that he is not taking oath today and added that he will do whatever the party supremo Sharad Pawar will ask me to do. Talking to Zee News, he said, "I am not angry, I am very much in the NCP, and now going with my sister (Supriya Sule) to participate in the oath ceremony."

Sonia Gandhi not to attend Uddhav Thackeray's oath ceremony, says country facing 'unprecedented threats' from BJP. (Full report)

For unemployment: The process of filling all the vacant posts in the State Government shall be initiated immediately. 

Below are the points included in Maha Vikas Aghadi's CMP: 

Preamble 
The alliance partners commit to uphold the secular values enshrined in the Constitution. On contentious issue of national importance as well as of state importance especially having repercussions/consequences on the secular fabric of the nation, the Shiv Sena, the NCP and the Congress will take a joint view after holding consultations and arriving at a consensus. 

Farmers

1) Provide immediate assistance to the farmers who are suffering due to premature rains and floods. 
2) Immediate loan waiver will be granted to farmers. 
3) Crop Insurance scheme shall be revised to ensure immediate compensation to the farmers who have lost their crops. 
4) We shall undertake appropriate measures to ensure remunerative prices for farm produce. 
5) Adequate steps shall be initiated for the construction of sustainable water supply system for the drought affected areas. 

 Crop Insurance Scheme to be revised to ensure immediate compensation to the farmers who have lost their crops, the CMP promises further.

Immediate assistance & loan waiver for farmers, Common Minimum Program of 'Maha Vikas Aghadi' (NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena alliance) promises. 

Congress leaders Balasaheb Thorat and Nitin Raut will take oath as Ministers today.

Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat, Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde and NCP's Jayant Patil will address a joint press conference of the Maha Vikas Aghadi at 4 PM today. The press briefing is taking place ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of Uddhav Thackeray. During the press briefing, the Common Minimum Programme fo Maharashtra will be released. 

Mumbai's famous 'Dabbawallahs' will also attend Uddhav Thackeray's swearing-in ceremony.

Bollywood stars Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Madhuri Dikshit and singer Asha Bhonsle have been invited to attend Uddhav Thackeray's swearing-in ceremony.

We've invited all big leaders from the centre and state including the Prime Minister. Aditya Thackeray himself went to invite Congress Pres Sonia Gandhi. We've also invited former Maharashtra CM and Raj Thackeray. Everyone should witness the historic day: Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde

I will take oath as minister today. NCP chief Sharad Pawar will decide over giving Deputy Chief Minister post to Ajit Pawar: NCP leader Jayant Patil

Ajit Pawar reaches NCP chief Sharad Pawar's residence. It is learnt that Pawar has called Ajit to understand the reason behind his disappointment with the party.

Ajit Pawar (in file pic) has not gone incommunicado, he has intentionally switched off his mobile phone to avoid frequent calls. He will attend the swearing-in ceremony: NCP spokesperson, on reports that Ajit Pawar has switched off his mobile phone

BJP also could form govt after showing majority. If the Supreme Court had not given a deadline of 24 hours for the floor test, Devendra Fadnavis & Ajit Pawar wouldn't have resigned. It was difficult to prove majority in a short span of 24 hours: Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister

Congress' Balasaheb Thorat, Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde & NCP's Jayant Patil to address a joint press conference, ahead of swearing-in ceremony of Shiv Sena chief & 'Maha Vikas Aghadi' leader Uddhav Thackeray, today. The Common Minimum programme will be released.

Mumbai: Congress' Balasaheb Thorat, Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde & NCP's Jayant Patil to address a joint press conference, ahead of swearing-in ceremony of Shiv Sena chief & 'Maha Vikas Aghadi' leader Uddhav Thackeray, today. The Common Minimum programme will be released.(file pics) pic.twitter.com/MhJW4zubud

— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2019

NCP leader and Sharad Pawar's daughter Supriya Sule recalled her relations with Bal Thackeray and his wife and said that they treated her like their own daughter. "Maa Saheb and Bala Saheb - missing you so much today. Both of you should have been here today. They treated me with so much love and affection more than a daughter! Their role in my life will always be special and memorable! (sic0)," Sule said in a tweet. 

Maa Saheb and Bala Saheb - missing you so much today. Both of you should have been here today. They treated me with so much love and affection more than a daughter! Their role in my life will always be special and memorable! 

— Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) November 28, 2019

Uddhav Thackeray has invited his cousin Raj Thackeray to attend his swearing-in ceremony. Raj Thackeray has accepted the invitation and will attend the ceremony.

DMK president MK Stalin arrives in Mumbai to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

#WATCH Maharashtra: DMK president MK Stalin arrives in Mumbai. He will attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new government of the state, led by Shiv Sena chief and 'Maha Vikas Aghadi' Uddhav Thackeray as the Chief Minister, today. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/jafvkBryiP

— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2019

Balasaheb (Bal Thackeray) and Indira ji had good relations. He had supported Indira ji. Whenever it was needed they stood by each other: Balasaheb Thorat, Maharashtra Congress president

I don't know how many ministers will take oath today but Chief Minister and a few ministers from the three parties (Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena) will take oath at the ceremony: Balasaheb Thorat, Maharashtra Congress president

'Bal Thackeray Samadhi' in Shivaji Park has been decorated, ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of Shiv Sena chief and 'Maha Vikas Aghadi' leader Uddhav Thackeray, as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra today.

Mumbai: 'Bal Thackeray Samadhi' in Shivaji Park has been decorated, ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of Shiv Sena chief and 'Maha Vikas Aghadi' leader Uddhav Thackeray, as the Chief Minister of #Maharashtra today. pic.twitter.com/vA7Hajh9a9

— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2019

Let the suspense remain, says Rahul Gandhi on attending Uddhav Thackeray's swearing-in ceremony.

A statue of Uddhav Thackeray's mother Meena Thackeray, which has been decked in flowers, has been kept at Shivaji Park where the Shiv Sena chief is scheduled to take oath today as the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra at 6:40 pm on Thursday (November 28).

I don't know, it is NCP's matter. Sharad Pawar is senior-most leader of 'Maha Vikas Aghadi'(Shiv Sena-Congress-NCP), what post should be given to Ajit Pawar or someone else in his party, will be decided by him: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on being asked if Ajit Pawar will be made Deputy CM

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Madhya Pradesh Kamal Nath, Amitabh Bachchan, Sachin Tendulkar and several other cricketers and Bollywood stars are going to attend Uddhav Thackeray's swearing-in ceremony. Former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and all prominent leaders of Maharashtra have also been invited to attend the ceremony.

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi still undecided over attending Uddhav Thackeray's swearing-in ceremony.

Hours before Uddhav Thackeray's swearing in ceremony, Shiv Sena leader tweeted the famous Bollywood movie dialogue "How is the Josh?"

How is Josh?
जय महाराष्ट्र

— Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) November 28, 2019

Shiv Sena chief Udhav Thackeray quits as Saamana editor. Shiv Sena leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut named new editor of Shiv Sena mouthpiece.

Sources said that a one-day special session of Maharashtra Assembly will be called on November 30 to elect the Speaker and the election of Speaker will prove the majority of Uddhav Thackeray-led government in the state.

Besides Uddhav Thackeray, senior Shiv Sena leaders Eknath Shinde and Subhash Desai will take oath as cabinet ministers on Thursday. From NCP, Chhagan Bhujbal and Jayant Patil are expected to take oath as ministers. Maharashtra Congress president Balasaheb Thorat and Ashok Chavan are also likely to take oath as cabinet minister on Thursday (November 28).

Sources said that NCP leader Ajit Pawar is unlikely to take oath as deputy chief minister on Thursday (Wednesday 28) along with Uddhav Thackeray, who is scheduled to take oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra at 6:40 pm on Thursday. (Read more here)

Uddhav Thackeray calls up Prime Minister Narendra Modi and invited him to attend the swearing-in ceremony after sending an invitation card to the PMO office. (Read more here)

Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray on Wednesday (November 27) met Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi and invited them for the swearing-in ceremony of his father and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as Maharashtra Chief Minister at 6:40 pm on Thursday (November 28). (Read more here)

Deputy Chief Minister in the new Maharashtra government will be from NCP, while the post of Assembly Speaker will go to the Congress: NCP leader Praful Patel