NEW DELHI: There is no end in sight for the Maharashtra political crisis and the tussle within the Shiv Sena, as the rebel MLAs led by Eknath Shinde seem prepared to stay put in Guwahati. They are awaiting clarity on two moot points before contemplating a return to Mumbai- the possible disqualification of 16 dissident MLAs and the appointment of the chief whip in the legislative assembly.
The battle could well get dragged to the courts as the two sides look closely at the legal options available.
Meanwhile, Shinde loyalist MLA Deepak Kesarkar announced in Guwahati that the rebel group will be called “Shiv Sena Balasaheb”.
Shiv Sena national executive met at Shiv Sena Bhavan in Mumbai this afternoon.
The rebel faction of Eknath Shinde also met at Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati this afternoon to discuss future course of action.
Developments in the political saga:-
Heavy deployment of cops in Mumbai; prohibitory orders till July 10
With tempers running high among Shiv Sena workers following the rebellion by party leader Eknath Shinde, the Mumbai police have deployed its personnel at the city-based offices of various political parties and leaders, including ministers, MLAs and MPs, and their residences as a security measure, an official said on Saturday.
The instructions to remain alert and to provide security was taken at a meeting chaired by Mumbai Police commissioner Sanjay Pandey, where senior officials including the joint police commissioner (law and order), additional commissioners and zonal DCPs were present, he said.
The prohibitory orders issued by the city police under section 37 of the Mumbai Police (MP) Act in the first week of June, ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections, will continue to remain in place till July 10. It bans the assembly of five or more persons at one place.
The instructions to remain alert and to provide security was taken at a meeting chaired by Mumbai Police commissioner Sanjay Pandey, where senior officials including the joint police commissioner (law and order), additional commissioners and zonal DCPs were present, he said.
The prohibitory orders issued by the city police under section 37 of the Mumbai Police (MP) Act in the first week of June, ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections, will continue to remain in place till July 10. It bans the assembly of five or more persons at one place.
A police official clarified that he had referred to the section 144 of the CrPc earlier in the day by mistake, but later clarified that the prohibitory orders are in place as per the section 37 of the Act.
On Saturday, cadres loyal to the Thackerays staged protests against the rebels by defacing their banners, hurling stones, and vandalising the office of an MLA in various parts of the state.
‘Rebels in no hurry to leave Guwahati until key issues resolved’
Former minister and Shiv Sena MLA Deepak Kesarkar, who is now in the Eknath Shinde camp, told TOI on Friday said the rebel group is in no hurry to return to Maharashtra until two issues – the possible disqualification of 16 dissident MLAs and the appointment of the chief whip in the legislative assembly- are resolved.
Kesarkar said, “How can they have their chief whip when their house strength has dwindled to 15 members. Our group has the support of 38 Sena MLAs. These moves are completely unconstitutional. If there is a vote of no-confidence, the downfall of the present government will be imminent.”
“The petition for disqualification of the 16 MLAs is on ground that they did not attend a meeting of Sena legislators. This meeting was called at very short notice and they must remember that Maharashtra is a big state and, in some parts, it takes at least 10-12 hours to reach Mumbai. How can these MLAs travel from their home district to Mumbai in such a short time? ” he said.
Later in the day, sources said that the Shinde faction has asked the hotel management to extend its booking in Guwahati for two more days. Earlier this booking was till 28th June.
Shiv Sena authorises Uddhav to take action against rebels
The national executive of the Shiv Sena on Saturday passed a resolution authorizing Maharashtra CM and party chief Uddhav Thackeray to take action against the rebels. Faced with rebellion by senior state minister Eknath Shinde who has claimed the support of majority of Sena MLAs, the executive also passed a resolution that no other political outfit can use the name Shiv Sena and the name of its founder, late Bal Thackeray.
“The executive decided that Shiv Sena belongs to Bal Thackeray and is committed to taking forward his fierce ideology of Hindutva and Marathi pride. Shiv Sena will never deviate from this path,” party MP Sanjay Raut said.
“It passed a resolution, giving all powers to take action against those who have betrayed the party to Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray,” Raut told reporters.
16 rebel MLAs get disqualification notice
Deputy Speaker of Maharashtra Assembly issues disqualification notice to 16 rebel Shiv Sena MLAs of Eknath Shinde camp currently staying in Guwahati, Assam.
The MLAs to whom the disqualification notice has been issued are supposed to file their written replies by Monday, 27th June.
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