'Disgrunted' Shiv Sena minister offers to quit

After being dropped as the Shiv Sena's nominee for the upper house, health minister Dr Deepak Sawant said he would resign on moral grounds. Sawant denied speculation that he would join the BJP.

On Tuesday, the Shiv Sena announced Vilas Potnis as it's candidate from the Mumbai graduates legislative council constituency, dropping Sawant, who is a two-term legislator from the constituency which was earlier represented by party veteran Pramod Navalkar. Potnis is active in the 'Sthaniya Lokadhikar Hakka Mahasangh' and is the vibhag pramukh (division chief) from North Mumbai.

"I have offered to resign on moral grounds since I have not been re-nominated for Mumbai division graduates constituency. I should not continue as a minister after July 7 when my term in the legislative council ends," said Sawant.

Sawant also denied he had been dropped due to disgruntlement within the party with his style of functioning or at Yuva Sena Chief Aaditya Thackeray's behest.

Sawant said he had submitted his resignation to Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, however, Fadnavis had asked him to stay for the time being.

"I will work for the party as a common Shiv Sainik since I have no other designation in the organisation," said Sawant.