After a dispute over a statement about Shivaji, Koshyari proposes to resign as Maha guv

Bhagat Singh Koshyari, the governor of Maharashtra, announced on Monday that he intended to resign from his position and that he informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his decision during the latter's visit to the city last week. This announcement comes amid a raging controversy surrounding Koshyari's comments on Shivaji, which prompted calls for his resignation.

According to a statement from the Raj Bhavan, Koshyari wished to leave politics.

The statement on his behalf stated, "I have indicated to the Prime Minister my request to be freed from all political obligations as I want to be active in reading, writing, and other similar pursuits for the remainder of my life.

"I will always cherish the kindness and support I have gotten from Maharashtrians over the last more than three years. Being the Rajya Sevak or Rajyapal (governor) of a magnificent state like Maharashtra, which is known for its saints, social reformers, and brave warriors, was an utter honor and pleasure, it was said.

Another time, the governor seemed on the verge of resigning. He wrote to Union home minister Amit Shah on December 6 of last year, asking for his "advice" on what to do next.

Despite the many scandals that have dogged Koshyari's tenure as governor, which began on September 5, 2019, his words on November 19, 2023 set up a political uproar. He said that Shivaji was a "ancient symbol" and that Maharashtra now had "newer ones" like BR Ambedkar and Union minister Nitin Gadkari during a gathering hosted at the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University in Aurangabad.

Two of Shivaji's descendants—Udayanraje Bhonsale and Chhatrapati Sambhaji—took the issue to the Prime Minister and the President in response to his remarks, despite political parties criticizing him for "disrespecting" a Maharashtrian deity.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claimed Koshyari was setting an example for others to follow hours after hearing about his remarks on Monday. Opposition parties argued the Centre should have summoned him back by now.

The fact that Koshyari tried to resign as governor was a wonderful thing. Former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray stated, "He is the one who hates Maharashtra and insulted our beliefs. He should have been expelled from the state.

Koshyari's acts, according to Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole, did not uphold the requirements of his constitutional chair. "He is in a constitutionally protected position, but his behavior is not. He made disparaging remarks about Maharashtrian values like Shivaji Maharaj... "BJP seeks to keep him in the job despite our repeated demands for his dismissal and the complaint we made to President Droupadi Murmu," he stated.

Amol Mitkari, the head of the Nationalist Congress Party, said that Koshyari should have sent a letter to the President. Although the Prime Minister has other ideas, it seems that he is trying to paint an image that suggests he is not interested in keeping his position as governor.

The BJP, on the other hand, supported Koshyari's choice.

"Regardless of their age, we have seen a lot of politicians who do not wish to resign from their posts. Koshyari wishes to be released from his obligations, though, so he may continue reading and writing for the rest of his life, among other things, according to state forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar.

While the governor claims he has carried out his constitutional obligations without fear or favor, the opposition has accused Koshyari of operating in a political way throughout his term.