The issue of office of profit was expected to come up in the upcoming Budget session of the Maharashtra Legislature. (Photo: PTI File)

Shiv Sena leaders Arvind Sawant and Ravindra Waikar, who were recently given a Cabinet rank by the state government, have sent their resignations to Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray.

The move is seen as a precautionary measure by CM Uddhav Thackeray ahead of the budget session when the opposition is likely to raise the issue of office of profit. The final decision on the resignations, however, is yet to be taken.

Arvind Sawant was appointed the head of Maharashtra State Parliamentary Coordination Committee by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on February 14. Arvind Sawant had resigned from his Cabinet minister post in the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government following differences between the BJP and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra last year.

Shiv Sena MLA Ravindra Waikar was appointed chief coordinator in the CM office and was also allotted the rank of Cabinet minister. Ravindra Waikar's responsibility was to coordinate with public representatives and the chief minister on fast-tracking projects and fund allocations.

According to sources, the Shiv Sena-led government expected the BJP to take up the issue in the forthcoming Budget session objecting to the appointments citing the office of profit.

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