Maharashtra’s AG resigns over Marathwada statehood row

The Advocate General of Maharashtra Shreehari Aney submitted his resignation on Tuesday morning. His resignation comes after he received flak for publicly raising a demand for Vidarbha’s statehood.

On Sunday while attending a public function to distribute relief to drought-hit farmers, Mr. Aney flagged out a demand for a separate Vidarbha and also said that the people of Marathwada should demand for a separate state.

This resulted in an uproar in the Assembly with the Congress, Shiv Sena and NCP targeting the Chief Minister and the government for his remarks.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced in the State Assembly that Mr. Aney has submitted his resignation.

“Advocate General is appointed by Governor as per the Constitutional provision. He may accept it or may seek Cabinet’s opinion. However if that is asked we as a government will recommend to accept the resignation,” said Mr. Fadnavis.

A highly placed source at the Bombay High Court has confirmed saying, “Until last night there was no news about the AG resigning but in the morning he made a decision to do so. He left for the Governor’s office and has submitted his resignation,” he said.

Farmers’ suicide issue

In February, Mr. Aney had faced music for voicing his views at the Bombay High Court on the compensation given to farmers and the State’s apathy towards rise in farmers’ suicide.

Hailing from Yevatmal district, the former AG held office for more than five months after he succeeded former AG Sunil Manohar who resigned citing personal reasons.

He had defended the State’s stand in the chikki scam, controversial beef ban, rise of custodial deaths and many others.