Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has lost majority in house and a floor test is in order, the BJP told the Governor this evening. The party delegation was led by Devendra Fadnavis, who headed for the meet on his return from Delhi. Here are the Top 10 points in this big story:"We have written to the Governor and told him that Shiv Sena's 39 MLAs are repeatedly saying they don't want to be in an alliance with the Congress-NCP. This means they are not with the government," Devendra Fadnavis told reporters after the meeting."So we have told the Governor that he should ask the Chief Minister to conduct a floor test and prove majority," he added.Mr Fadnavis -- the predecessor of Uddhav Thackeray on the top post -- headed for the Governor's House straight from the airport. He was accompanied by Girish Mahajan and state BJP chief Chandrakant Patil.In Delhi, Mr Fadnavis had a 30-minute strategy session with BJP chief JP Nadda this evening amid speculation about the party staking claim to form government.Earlier today, sources had said the Governor may ask Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to prove majority this week.The Team Thackeray had requested the Supreme Court that no floor test be allowed till the matter of disqualification notices to 17 rebel MLAs be settled. The court has refused to pass orders on it.In a day of fast-paced developments, Mr Thackeray sought a meeting with the rebels on their return to Mumbai, which is likely on Thursday."I want to appeal to you - time is still not lost. Please come, sit with me, remove all doubts from the minds of Shiv Sainiks and the public, then we can find a way out. We can sit together and find a way out," Mr Thackeray wrote.Eknath Shinde, who is leading the coup aganst Uddhav Thackeray, said that he would go to Mumbai "soon" and "take Balasaheb Thackeray's legacy forward", indicating that he is ready for the next move. He claims he has the backing of around 50 MLAs, nearly 40 of them from the Shiv Sena.The Shiv Sena has accused the BJP of masterminding the revolt and hounding its leaders using investigating agencies. Uddhav Thackeray's key spokesperson, Sanjay Raut, was summoned today by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case but he refused to go. Mr Raut terms the summons a conspiracy. Comments
Mumbai: Shiv Sena on Tuesday refuted reports which claimed that Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had called BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis to save the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.In an official statement, Shiv Sena spokesperson Harshal Pradhan said, "Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray called Devendra Fadnavis to save the government some such news is going on but this news is only to mislead. Whatever, Uddhav Thackeray has to say, he speaks publicly."Earlier, sources had claimed that Mr Thackeray was in touch with BJP leaders to find a way out of the political crisis facing the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government that includes the Nationalist Congress Party and Congress apart from Shiv Sena.The sources had also said that Thackeray was ready to resign on June 22 at 5 pm after it was clear that there was "no way out" of the political crisis facing the Maharashtra government but MVA allies convinced him not to resign.A core committee meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Maharashtra unit was held on Monday to discuss the state's political situation. The BJP has decided that the party will follow the "wait and watch" approach."We had clarified yesterday as well that we will hold another core team meeting in the days to come, keeping in mind its necessity - if any. We will deliberate and make a decision. Right now we are in a wait-and-watch mode," said Sudhir Mungantiwar, BJP leader.Meanwhile, rebel Shiv Sena MLAs of the Eknath Shinde camp, who are currently in Assam will huddle together this afternoon to discuss the further plan of action, amid the ongoing political crisis in Maharashtra.According to the sources, they are expected to take an important decision today. Independent MLAs might approach Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari very soon.Sources have earlier learned that the MLAs are likely to stay for more days at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati and are unlikely to return before July 5."Rebel Maharashtra MLAs likely to stay for more days at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati, Assam. The hotel was booked till July 5 and the booking can now be extended as per requirement," sources said on Tuesday.Notably, the political tussle in Maharashtra between Shiv Sena and the rebel group led by Eknath Shinde has now reached the Supreme Court. The pleas filed by the breakaway camp challenge the disqualification proceedings against Shinde and 15 other rebel MLAs.On Monday, a separate plea was filed by Shinde in the top court regarding the safety of the legislators who have challenged party chief and Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and JB Pardiwala heard the pleas on Monday.The Supreme Court on Monday granted interim relief to rebel Shiv Seva leader Eknath Shinde and other MLAs to file their reply to disqualification notices issued to them by the Deputy Speaker of Maharashtra Assembly by July 12, 5.30 pm.PromotedListen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
What about out federal structure, questioned Mamata Banerjee amid Mahrashtra crisisAsansol (WB): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday alleged that the BJP was spending crores of rupees to topple the Shiv Sena-led government in Maharashtra, further raising concerns over the fate of the country's federal structure.Ms Banerjee also lashed out at the BJP-led Centre over the arrests of Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair and social activist Teesta Setalvad for "trying to expose the truth".The Trinamool boss complained that a section of media never bothers to report about such matters, but focuses all of their attention on “trivial issues involving opposition parties”."Why have you arrested Mohammed Zubair and Teesta Setalvad? What wrong have they done? Does speaking out the truth or exposing the truth a crime? Those who are speaking out against this government are either harassed by using agencies or arrested," the Chief Minster said.Major opposition parties and media organisations have condemned Mr Zubair's arrest on Monday by the Delhi Police for allegedly hurting religious sentiments in one of his tweets. On Tuesday, the Editors Guild of India termed it "extremely disturbing" and demanded his immediate release.Ms Setalvad was on Saturday evening taken into custody by the Gujarat Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) from Mumbai in connection with an FIR registered against her at the Ahmedabad city crime branch.Ms Banerjee, during her address to party workers in Asansol area of Paschim Bardhaman district, said, “The BJP government is busy morphing pictures and videos on social media. It is them who circulate fake videos and propagate lies and propaganda on social media. They have the money to keep pushing fake news and narratives on the social media.” In an apparent reference to controversial remarks by suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma on Prophet Mohammad, she alleged that those who had been spreading hatred and violence in the country are not being taken to task."I won't take names, but it is the BJP leaders who talk ill about other religions and yet don't get arrested. In fact, even if they commit murders, they won't be questioned. If any opposition leader talks about that murder, however, they will be harassed, arrested. This is the reality of India today," she claimed.The Chief Minister sought to know why security was being accorded to people who “incited violence”.“The Bengal government is not like the BJP; the Kolkata Police has issued summons to the leader who instigated communal violence," she stated.Attacking the Centre over the ‘Agnipath' recruitment scheme for armed forces, she said it was a "major scam and another example of Jumla politics" ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.“I have recently received a communication from a colonel who requested that Agniveers, after four years of service in armed forces, be given the opportunity to be state government employees. It is a mess created by the Centre, and they have to clean it. We will not take the onus," she asserted.She gave a clarion call for the ouster of the BJP-led NDA government, stating that "time has come to put an end to the anti-people regime".Talking about the Maharashtra crisis, she said, "The BJP is spending crores of rupees to topple the government in Maharashtra. Where are they getting so much money to topple an elected government of a state? Where is our country's democracy heading to? What about out federal structure? Has the BJP decided to bulldoze everything in this country," Banerjee, said.Maharashtra is embroiled in a political turmoil, with several rebel MLAs of the ruling Shiv Sena camping in Assam, in what seems to be a bid to topple the MVA coalition government in the state.The Chief Minister maintained that the BJP-led government is "using" its agencies against opposition parties."The BJP is doing whatever suits them. It is using central agencies like CBI and the ED against those who are speaking the truth," she iterated, addressing her first rally in Asansol after the party's victory in Lok Sabha bypoll in April this year.Hitting out at a section of media for “spreading canards against opposition parties”, the Trinamool supremo said the media should start talking about the money that PM Cares received."The media only wants to talk about ‘cut money' in Bengal, but what about the money that was donated to the PM Cares Fund? No one dares to question it. If there is a small incident in Bengal, the media starts raising hue and cries without even bothering to cross-check facts. Why shouldn't action be taken against false news?" she questioned.PromotedListen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.comMs Banerjee urged party workers to gear up for the upcoming Martyrs' Day rally on July 21 in the state, being held in grand manner after a gap of two years owing to COVID-19 pandemic "For the last two years, we could not hold the July 21 rally due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, we will make it a grand success. On that day, we will also announce new programmes," she added.(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
PUNE: Shiv Sena tehsil-level units in Pune have become aggressive against rebel party MLAs currently camping in Guwahati. Sena workers, claiming to be loyalists of party president and chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, staged 'jode maro' (hit with footwear) in Shirur, Khed, and Ambegaon tehsils in the last two days. They raised slogans against the rebels saying they should be punished for their actions against the principle of the party. "It is unfortunate and unacceptable to see the behaviour of the rebel MLAs. They have not only ditched the party but the values and principles of the party that they have practiced over the years. People will show them their 'real political position' during the elections in the future," said Popat Shelar, the vice president of Shiv Sena, Pune district. Shivaji Adhalrao-Patil, three-time MP of the Shiv Sena, told TOI on Monday, "A large number of the party workers have come out in the support of Uddhav Thackeray in the district. In fact, after Mumbai, the Pune district has seen several rallies of the workers against the rebels. Some of the workers in the villages have burnt the effigies of rebels in Ambegaon and Junnar tehsils. It shows how they are angry against the rebels." Adhalrao said that the party has a sizeable number of workers across all 13 tehsils. They have been 'loyal' to the party over the decades. "Although the party does not have MLA in Pune district, it has a strong support base at the village level. As a result, the unrest against the rebels is growing in the district," added Adhalraopatil, who is holding meetings with the party workers across the district.
INDORE: BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya on Tuesday said his party was watching the turmoil in the ruling Shiv Sena in neighbouring Maharashtra from a distance. The main constituent of the Maha Vikas Aghadi in the neighbouring state plunged into disarray on June 21 after senior leader Eknath Shinde rebelled against Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and was now in Guwahati with a sizable number of dissidents. "We have no role in the current turmoil in Maharashtra. This (rebellion) is internal strife of the Shiv Sena. We are just standing at a distance and watching it," Vijayvargiya told reporters. Speaking about reports of Sainiks loyal to Thackeray attacking offices of rebel MLAs, he said efforts were being made to create a "West Bengal like situation" in Maharashtra by spreading fear and terror. Vijayvargiya, who was one of the key strategists for the BJP for the WB polls, added that people of Maharashtra would not want the state to fall prey to anarchy.
NEW DELHI: Former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis met Union minister Amit Shah and BJP president J P Nadda here on Tuesday to discuss the party's next course of action amid the spiralling political crisis in the state threatening the three-party Maha Vikas Adhadi government's existence. Fadnavis was joined by BJP MP and senior lawyer Mahesh Jethmalani in the meeting with the home minister, sources said. They are believed to have explored various options available for the party and deliberated on their legal feasibility as the BJP works to recapture power in Maharashtra with the help of rebel Shiv Sena MLAs and several independent lawmakers. After meeting Shah, Fadnavis drove to Nadda's residence and briefed him about the unfolding political developments in the western state. Earlier in the day, he arrived in the national capital from Mumbai to discuss the issue with the party's top brass. Around 39 rebel Sena MLAs and at least 10 independent legislators from the state have lodged themselves at a five star hotel in Assam in their bid to bring down the Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray-led government. The BJP has denied any role in the rebellion but Fadnavis is being seen to be playing a key role in working out a post-MVA dispensation which he may head with support from the Sena rebels. BJP sources have maintained that any concrete outline of the next government has not been worked out but added that Eknath Shinde, the senior Sena leader who has led the rebellion against his party's alliance with traditional adversaries the Congress and the NCP, and other key members of the group will be suitably accommodated in case their party comes to power. Shinde may be made deputy chief minister in such an eventuality. The priority right now is to bring down the MVA government as it has clearly lost majority in the assembly, BJP leaders said. The rebels may approach the state governor, conveying the decision to withdraw their support from the Thackeray government. Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari then may ask the ruling alliance to undergo a floor test in the assembly. The next couple of days may see a fresh movement from the rebels against the government, sources said. Though the BJP sources expressed confidence that the Uddhav Thackeray government is on its last leg, the party is treading cautiously to avoid any wrong move like the one in 2019 which had caused it embarrassment when Fadnavis formed a short lived government in alliance with the NCP faction headed by Ajit Pawar without ensuring adequate support of MLAs. Fadnavis had to resign in three days as NCP supremo Sharad Pawar rallied his party MLAs to thwart his nephew's bid to join hands with the BJP to form the government. The Sena then joined hands with the NCP and the Congress to come to power. The BJP has long nursed a grudge against the Sena as both parties had fought the 2019 assembly polls together and had secured a comfortable majority. However, its ally insistence that the post of chief ministership should be rotated between the two parties and not be held by the BJP alone led to a split.
Maharashtra Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis Tuesday reached Delhi to hold discussions with the central leadership, including BJP president J P Nadda, on the political developments in the western state. Meanwhile, all BJP MLAs were asked to reach Mumbai in the next 24 hours and also asked not to leave the state.With rebel MLA Eknath Shinde’s faction getting support from 50 plus MLAs, the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s existence is under question. Of the total 55 Shiv Sena MLAs, 40 have joined hands with the rebel camp. The others in the camp are Independents.Highly placed sources in the BJP said, “With Shiv Sena losing two third of its members, the MVA has become a minority. In such a situation, we have asked all the 106 BJP MLAs to be on alert. They have been asked not to leave Maharashtra. If required, they should be able to reach Mumbai any time.” The next 48 hours are going to be crucial for the BJP. It will also see Eknath Shinde returning to Mumbai along with the rebels.On Tuesday afternoon, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray made an ardent emotional appeal to the rebels to set aside their differences and return to Shiv Sena.In a statement issued by Thackeray he said, “You are still in the Sena. The family members of some of you have also contacted me and conveyed their feelings to me. I respect your feelings as the head of Shiv Sena’s family. As the head of Shiv Sena, I am still worried about you. Come here for a dialogue. Remove the confusion and let us work together.”
Sena rebels are currently camping in BJP-ruled AssamNew Delhi: The BJP's Devendra Fadnavis met party chief JP Nadda in Delhi today for a 30-minute strategy session as Shiv Sena rebel Eknath Shinde declared from Guwahati that he and his rebel MLAs are ready to go to Mumbai and meet the Governor.The BJP has repeatedly claimed that they are not involved in the Sena crisis that can potentially bring down the alliance government in Maharashtra led by Uddhav Thackeray.But the choice of safe zones for rebels - first BJP-ruled Gujarat and then BJP-ruled Assam - has sent out a contradictory signal.PromotedListen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.comIn Assam, several BJP MLAs have reportedly been put in charge of logistics for the Maharashtra MLAs camping there. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was seen in the hotel.Recently, Mr Shinde had even admitted that he has the support of a big national party, though he stopped short of naming it.
New Delhi, Jun 28 (PTI) Former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis met BJP president J P Nadda here on Tuesday amid the spiralling political crisis in the state threatening the three-party Maha Vikas Adhadi government's existence. Fadnavis is believed to have briefed Nadda about the unfolding political developments in the western state. He arrived in the national capital earlier to discuss the issue with the party's top brass, with 39 rebel Shiv Sena MLAs and at least 10 independent legislators from the state lodged in a five star hotel in Assam and working on overdrive to bring down the Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray-led government. The BJP has denied any role in the rebellion but Fadnavis is being seen to be playing a key role in working out a post-MVA dispensation which he may head with support from the Sena rebels.
The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.New Delhi: Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday reached Delhi amid the ongoing political uncertainty in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in the state.He came to Delhi after a core committee meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Maharashtra unit was held on Monday to discuss the state's political situation. A total of 48 rebel MLAs of Maharashtra including 39 rebel MLAs of Shiv Sena are staying at Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati since June 22.After BJP managed to secure a majority in the 2019 Assembly election, Mr Fadnavis took oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, but soon he tendered his resignation after his deputy and NCP leader Ajit Pawar quit.After Mr Fadnavis quit, a post-poll alliance of the Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party(NCP), and the Congress picked Uddhav Thackeray as their nominee for the chief minister's post. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut had warned the BJP and Devendra Fadnavis to not get involved in the crisis unfolding in the MVA government. "If they do, then their party (BJP), Fadnavis and PM Modi's names will be tarnished," Mr Raut said.The political tussle in Maharashtra between Shiv Sena and the rebel group led by Eknath Shinde has now reached the Supreme Court. The pleas filed by the breakaway camp challenge the disqualification proceedings against Mr Shinde and 15 other rebel MLAs.On Monday, a separate plea was filed by Mr Shinde in the top court regarding the safety of the legislators who have challenged party chief and Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and JB Pardiwala heard the pleas on Monday.The Supreme Court granted interim relief to rebel Shiv Seva leader Eknath Shinde and other MLAs to file their reply to disqualification notices issued to them by the Deputy Speaker of Maharashtra Assembly by July 12, 5.30 pm."This is the win of the Hindutva of Balasaheb Thackeray and the ideas of Anand Dighe," Eknath Shinde tweeted after the Supreme Court deferred the disqualification proceedings of rebel MLAs till July 11.Meanwhile, attacking rebel MLAs of the party, Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray accused them of "betraying" the party and said, "the dirt has gone out of Shiv Sena".Mr Thackeray, who was addressing Shivsainiks in Mumbai said the party rebels were "enjoying" in Guwahati when Assam was dealing with floods in parts of the state.He also claimed that 15 to 20 MLAs who are in the Eknath Shinde's rebel camp were in touch with the Shiv Sena and have urged the party to bring them back to Mumbai from Guwahati.PromotedListen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.comHe said the leader of the rebel group Eknath Shinde was offered the post of Chief Minister in May but "he did drama".(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
MUMBAI: Striking an aggressive note against the rebel faction led by Eknath Shinde, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday said those who have betrayed the party leadership should not be able to move around. "Traitors should not be able to roam on the streets," he said, addressing a rally at Alibag near here. Notably, Maharashtra chief minister and Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray earlier in the day had adopted a reconciliatory tone when he asked the rebels to return to the state from Guwahati where they are camping, and talk out the issues. Raut, at the public meeting, also slammed the rebel MLAs' claim that their fight was for protecting the party's Hindutva moorings, pointing out that more than half of them were earlier with the NCP. "The rebel MLAs supporting Eknath Shinde are saying their cause is to protect the Hindutva envisaged by party founder Balasaheb Thackeray. "Twenty-two of them have come from the Nationalist Congress Party. What Hindutva they are talking about? Those who opposed Balasaheb Thackeray ended up ruining their own career," he said. Raut also called the party MLA from Alibag, Mahendra Dalvi, who has joined the Shinde camp, a "bullock". "When I called Mahendra, he said he was taking rest and disconnected the call. He was earlier with the NCP and also other political parties like the Peasants and Workers Party....I think it is time to change the bullock," Raut said. When the MVA coalition with Congress and NCP was being formed, Thackeray wanted to make Eknath Shinde chief minister, he further said. "If Shinde joins hands with the BJP now, he would become (only) a deputy chief minister," the Sena MP said. Before the 2019 Assembly elections, Thackeray had demanded "50:50 formula of portfolio sharing including the top post", Raut said. "It was the BJP which opposed it, hence Shinde lost the opportunity to become the chief minister of Maharashtra," he claimed. Then BJP chief Amit Shah had promised to share the chief minister's post with the Sena but later broke the promise, Raut alleged.
A Pune-based activist has filed a PIL in the Bombay High Court seeking direction to the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) to conduct a probe and register an FIR against Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, minister Aaditya Thackeray, and Shiv Sena lawmaker Sanjay Raut for sedition and allegedly causing a public nuisance.The PIL filed by Hemant Baburao Patil also seeks an order restraining them from organising press conferences, tours, and visits to various places in Maharashtra on the issue of rebel MLAs.Patil, known for filing petitions on most of the politically important or sensitive issues in Maharashtra many of which are not yet heard by HC, claimed that after a political crisis, the dissident MLAs fled to Guwahati to protect their lives after receiving threats from the Thackerays and Raut.He claimed that protests staged by Shiv Sena cadre in various districts of Maharashtra were the only way to create fear in citizens’ minds, who were apprehending riot like situation and violence in the state and most of the protests were organised under the influence and instigation of Thackeray father-son duo and Raut.“… in various districts of State of Maharashtra antisocial elements have damaged public property in the State in front of police personals and there is a situation of breach of law and order in the State for which the respondents are only responsible for the same,” he claimed in his PIL.Patil, who filed the PIL through advocate R N Kachave, also said that the central government providing Y plus security to rebel MLAs was a sign that there has been a breach of peace in Maharashtra.Maharashtra is in the midst of political turmoil following a rebellion by MLAs of the ruling Shiv Sena led by party leader Eknath Shinde.
Eknath Shinde and his group of rebel MLAs have been staying at a five-star hotel in Guwahati.Mumbai: Sena rebel Eknath Shinde has said he will head soon for Mumbai and talk to the Governor -- the next big move in the week-long political crisis in Maharashtra. Uddhav Thackeray, meanwhile, has written to the rebel MLAs, asking them to meet him. Here are the top 5 facts in this big story:"We are all going to Mumbai.. No need to worry about this. We will go to Mumbai soon," Eknath Shinde told reporters in Guwahati today.He also said he would speak to Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.Sources have indicated that Mr Shinde is likely to go to Delhi first.At least 48 MLAs are inside the Guwahati hotel where Mr Shinde has been camping since last week.Mr Shinde claims he has 50 MLAs with him at Guwahati and 40 of them are from the Shiv Sena."There is no need to create doubt in anyone's mind... the 50 people we have have come of their own free will and they are happy. We have come here with a role. We have not come here for our own selfishness. These people have come here with the idea of Hindutva and Balasaheb," he said. Comments
Maharashtra Crisis LIVE Updates: A week into the political crisis – which was triggered when Shiv Sena minister Eknath Shinde, who has claimed the support of more than three dozen party MLAs, raised a banner of revolt against the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government – both sides have refused to blink and appear prepared for a long fight. A day after Uddhav Thackeray took away portfolios of nine ministers who have joined Eknath Shinde camp, the Maharashtra chief minister called for a cabinet meeting on Tuesday at 2.30 PM.Also Read - Maharashtra Crisis: Uddhav Thackeray Wanted to Resign on June 22, But What Changed His Mind | ExplainedMaharashtra crisis LIVE: Eknath Shinde says will return to Mumbai soon | Eknath Shinde dismissed claims of rebel MLAs in touch with Uddhav camp and said he will soon return to Mumbai.Maharashtra crisis LIVE: Devendra Fadnavis to meet Amit Shah, JP Nadda in Delhi | Devendra Fadnavis is likely to meet Amit Shah and JP Nadda in Delhi amid Maharashtra political crisis, according to a report by Times of India.Maharashtra crisis LIVE: Uddhav Thackeray to hold cabinet meeting at 2.30 pm today | Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray to hold a cabinet meeting at 2:30 pm today, Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said.Maharashtra Crisis LIVE: “The political situation in Maharashtra is unstable right now. MVA govt is in minority. They are issuing 200-300 GRs every day. It’s public money. I have requested the state Governor about it and he has asked govt to investigate it,” Maharashtra BJP leader Pravin Darekar said.Maharashtra Crisis LIVE: Rashtravadi Yuvak Congress puts up poster against rebel MLAs in GuwahatiAssam | A poster that reads "Sara desh dekh raha hai, Guwahati mein chhupe gaddaron ko, maaf nahi karegi janta aise farzi makkaron ko" put up by Rashtravadi Yuvak Congress in GuwahatiRebel Maharashtra MLAs are staying at Radisson Blu hotel in the city. #MaharashtraCrisis pic.twitter.com/FrDpuQMiEZ— ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2022Maharashtra Crisis LIVE: “It’s an order for them to rest there (in Guwahati) till July 11. There is no work for them in Maharashtra,” Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on SC order of allowing Eknath Shinde and other rebel MLAs to file a reply to the disqualification notice issued to them by Deputy Speaker by July 11.Maharashtra Crisis LIVE: ‘The walking dead’: Sanjay Raut slams rebel MLAspic.twitter.com/Cb9pBkEQhQ— Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) June 28, 2022Maharashtra Crisis LIVE: Rebel Sena MLAs playing indoor games in Guwahati hotel | The dissident Shiv Sena MLAs, who are camping at the luxury Radisson Blu hotel in Guwahati for the past few days are passing their time by playing various indoor games including chess and ludo, according to a report by IANS.Maharashtra Crisis LIVE: Many told us Congress, NCP will betray us but our people betrayed us, says Aaditya Thackeray | “Many people told us that Congress and NCP will betray us but our people betrayed us. Many MLAs who were watchmen, rickshaw drivers, and paan shopkeepers – we made them Ministers. On 20th May, Uddhav Thackeray offered him (Eknath Shinde) the CM post and he did drama,” Aaditya Thackeray said.Maharashtra Crisis LIVE: Shame on rebel MLAs enjoying food in Guwahati amid Assam flood situation, says Aaditya Thackeray | “They (rebel MLAs) went to Guwahati where there’s a flood situation & many people are without shelter & food. They (rebel MLAs) are enjoying there. Bill for meals (for them) in one day is Rs 9 Lakhs, they are taking private choppers and enjoying there. Shame on them,” Aaditya Thackeray said.
Maharashtra Crisis: Uddhav Thackeray asked the rebels not to fall for anyone's claims.New Delhi: Uddhav Thackeray, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, wrote to rebel Shiv Sena MLAs today, urging them to talk to him in person, shortly after rebel Eknath Shinde said he will go to Mumbai and speak with the Maharashtra Governor. Following are the 10 biggest developments in this story:"You have been trapped in Guwahati for some days, I keep getting updates on you. Many of you are in touch with us... and you are Shiv Sena men at heart. Let us talk, we'll find a way," Uddhav Thackeray said in the letter to the rebels staying at a luxury hotel in Guwahati since last week."I want to appeal to you - time is still not lost. Please come, sit with me, remove all doubts from the minds of Shiv Sainiks and the public, then we can find a way out. We can sit together and find a way out." The letter comes a day after the rebels scored time till July 12 to act without being disqualified.Mr Thackeray, who has been reduced to a minority in the party founded by his father Bal Thackeray, asked the rebels not to fall for any false narrative on the Sena neglecting its MLAs and its core ideology. "The respect that the Shiv Sena has given you, you will not get anywhere else. If you come, talk face-to-face, we can find a way out. As the Shiv Sena chief and head of the family, I am worried about you even now. Please come forward and speak, we will find a way," he pleaded.Eknath Shinde, the leader of the stunning revolt against party boss Uddhav Thackeray, claims he is the real Shiv Sena with at least 40 Shiv Sena MLAs with him. Mr Thackeray's letter emerged shortly after Mr Shinde said he would go to Mumbai and speak with Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, indicating he is ready to launch his next play - a bid for power. "I have 50 people with me in Guwahati, they have come of their own accord and for Hindutva. We all will go to Mumbai soon," Mr Shinde told reporters. Mr Shinde, reports suggest, may fly to Mumbai or Delhi for consultations with the BJP, which is seen to be the enabler of the revolt that has seen Uddhav Thackeray lose most of his party MLAs to the rival camp.The BJP's Devendra Fadnavis, a former Maharashtra Chief Minister, is in Delhi, sources say. Mr Shinde had been flown by chartered plane from Guwahati to Gujarat's Vadodara after midnight last Friday for a meeting with Mr Fadnavis and BJP's top strategist, Union Home Minister Amit Shah. "I am not leaving the Shiv Sena. I am the real Shiv Sena," Mr Shinde told reporters, rubbishing the claims of team Thackeray that some 15-20 MLAs were in touch with them and wanted to return to Mumbai. Yesterday, the Supreme Court gave Mr Shinde and 15 rebels time till July 12 to respond to notices to disqualify them. The rebels cannot be disqualified till then. Sources suggest Mr Shinde and the rebels may be inclined to move for a no-confidence motion in the Maharashtra assembly before the court's deadline. The Supreme Court refused to pass orders on Team Thackeray's request that no floor test be allowed till July 12. "If anything illegal happens, you can always move this court," it said. Sources say Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari may ask Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to prove his majority sometime this week.BJP leaders reportedly met at Devendra Fadnavis's home in Mumbai to discuss the arithmetic required to form a government in a tie-up with the Shinde Sena faction. "We are open to the proposal of government formation from Eknath Shinde," said party leader Sudhir Mungantiwar. Comments
Maharashtra Political Crisis Latest Update: Amid intense political crisis in the state, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday wrote an emotionally powerful letter to all rebel MLAs, urging them to find a way for the crisis to settle down.Also Read - Maharashtra Crisis LIVE: State Cabinet Meeting Begins in MumbaiIn an effort to calm them down and bring them back home, Uddhav Thackeray tried to reach out to them camping in Guwahati. Also Read - Maharashtra Crisis: Uddhav Thackeray Wanted to Resign on June 22, But What Changed His Mind | ExplainedIn an emotional message to the MLAs, he said, “You are still with Shiv Sena from the heart.” Also Read - Why is Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal Hogging The Limelight Amid Maharashtra Political Crisis?Saying that he was concerned about them, Uddhav said, “You’ve been locked up for the last few days. Every day new information surfaces. Many of you are still in touch.”“Many of you are in touch with us, you’re still in Shiv Sena at heart; family members of some MLAs have also contacted me and conveyed their sentiments to me,” he said in the letter to the rebel MLAs.He said every day new information is coming out about the MLAs being trapped in Guwahati for the last few days. “As Shiv Sena’s family head I respect your sentiments, get rid of confusion. We’ll sit together and find a way out of this… if you come forward and speak, we’ll find a way out,” he said.Maharashtra CM & Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray appeals to party MLAs in Guwahati, to come & discuss; said "Many of you are in touch with us, you're still in Shiv Sena at heart; family members of some MLAs have also contacted me & conveyed their sentiments to me…"(file pic) pic.twitter.com/6pfhtQs7Go— ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2022Uddhav also urged the rebel MLAs not to fall for anyone’s claims and said the respect that the Shiv Sena has given you, you will not get anywhere else. “If you come face to face we can definitely find a way out. As the Shiv Sena chief and head of the family, I am worried about you even now,” he pleaded.On the other hand, Eknath Shinde earlier in the day claimed he has 50 MLAs with him at Guwahati, 40 of them from the Sena.
Eknath Shindetermed the SC verdict as the victory of Balasaheb Thackeray's Hindutva.Mumbai: Shiv Sena rebel Eknath Shinde said today he would go to Mumbai "soon" and "take Balasaheb Thackeray's legacy forward", indicating that he is ready to launch his next play. Here are the top 10 updates on this big storyEknath Shinde and the rebels, who have been staying at a five-star hotel in Guwahati, reportedly consulted lawyers to discuss the possibility of a floor test in the Maharashtra assembly.Sources say Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari may ask Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to prove his majority sometime this week.Eknath Shinde, leading a staggering coup against Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, claims he has the backing of around 50 MLAs, nearly 40 from the Shiv Sena.The Supreme Court yesterday gave Mr Shinde and 15 other rebel MLAs time till July 12 to respond to disqualification notices issued by Deputy Speaker Narahari Zirwal, who belongs to the party of Uddhav Thackeray's ally Sharad Pawar. Mr Shinde called it the victory of "Balasaheb Thackeray's Hindutva", referring to the Shiv Sena founder, Uddhav Thackeray's father.The Supreme Court refused to pass orders on Team Thackeray's request that no floor test be allowed till then. "If anything illegal happens, you can always move this court," it said.BJP leaders reportedly met at former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's home in Mumbai to discuss the arithmetic required to form a government in a tie-up with the Shinde Sena faction. Mr Fadnavis arrived in Delhi this afternoon where he will meet the party high command.Maharashtra Minister Aaditya Thackeray said that around 15 to 20 rebel MLAs were in touch with him and had urged the party to bring them back to Mumbai - a claim denied by rebel minister Uday Samant. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will chair a key cabinet meeting at 5 pm. Mr Thackeray, who tested positive for Covid last week, will attend the meeting virtually, officials have said.Shortly after the Supreme Court's decision, top leaders of Maharashtra's ruling coalition met at Uddhav Thackeray's home and reiterated their support for him.The Shiv Sena has accused the BJP of masterminding the revolt and hounding its leaders using investigating agencies. Uddhav Thackeray's key spokesperson, Sanjay Raut, was summoned today by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case but he refused to go. Mr Raut terms the summons a conspiracy. Comments
GUHAWATI: Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde on Tuesday said he will soon return to Mumbai, and rubbished Shiv Sena's claim that as many as 20 MLAs of his group are in touch with the Uddhav Thackeray-led party. Talking to reporters outside the luxury hotel where he and his group of MLAs are lodged since last week, Shinde also said he has support of 50 MLAs. “All these MLAs have come here on their own and to take forward Hindutva,” Shinde said. Senior Sena leaders have been claiming that around 20 MLAs of the party, now with Shinde in Guwahati, are in touch with them and want to return to Maharashtra.
Aaditya Thackeray said that there was anger among party workers over the action of party rebels.Mumbai: Attacking rebel MLAs of the party who are staying at a hotel in Guwahati, Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray accused them of "betraying" the party and said, "dirt has gone out of Shiv Sena".Mr Thackeray, who was addressing Shivsainiks in Mumbai amid the political crisis faced by the MVA government in Maharashtra, said the party rebels were "enjoying" in Guwahati when Assam was dealing with floods in parts of the state.He said the leader of the rebel group Eknath Shinde was offered the post of Chief Minister in May but "he did drama"."Many people told us that Congress & NCP will betray us but our people betrayed us. Many MLAs who were watchmen, rickshaw drivers, and paan shopkeepers - we made them Ministers. On 20th May, Uddhav Thackeray offered him (Eknath Shinde) the CM post and he did drama," Aaditya Thackeray said.He said there was anger among party workers over the action of party rebels."I can understand your zeal and strength, can even notice your anger. I've been visiting and interacting with Shivsainiks and I can see there is a lot of anger among them. But there is one positive thing the dirt has gone out of Shiv Sena," he said.Aaditya Thackeray claimed that the food bill of rebel MLAs was to the tune of Rs 9 lakh per day and alleged they were taking private choppers."They (rebel MLAs) went to Guwahati where there's a flood situation & many people are without shelter & food. They (rebel MLAs) are enjoying there. Bill for meals (for them) in one day is Rs 9 Lakhs, they are taking private choppers and enjoying there. Shame on them," he said.Referring to Income Tax searches earlier this year on party corporator Yashwant Jadhav, who is husband of Yamini Jadhav, a rebel MLA, Aaditya Thackeray said they had protested the action of the Income Tax Department but her remarks had brought tears to his eyes."When there was a raid on Yamini Jadhav (rebel MLA) & Yashwant, we came out on streets. Y'day Yamini Jadhav said it was not needed. Many people had suggested to not give them chance but we gave them opportunity. What she said yesterday brought tears to my eyes," he said.The Shiv Sena camp led by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and the rebel group have been seeking to outmanoeuvre each other. While the Thackeray group removed Mr Shinde as leader of the legislative party and appointed a new chief whip, supporters of Mr Shinde wrote to the state Governor that he continues to be the leader of the Shiv Sena legislature group. They also appointed a chief whip.The battle between the groups has now reached the Supreme Court which on Monday granted interim relief to Mr Shinde and other MLAs to file their reply to disqualification notices issued to them by the Deputy Speaker of Maharashtra Assembly by July 12, 5.30 pm.Earlier, the Deputy Speaker had granted them time to file a reply by Monday, 5.30 pm.The Supreme Court was hearing the petitions filed by the Shinde group challenging the disqualification notices issued by the Deputy Speaker to 16 rebel MLAs as well as the appointment of Ajay Choudhary as Shiv Sena Legislature Party leader.The bench also issued notices to the Deputy Speaker, Secretary of Maharashtra State Legislative Assembly, the Centre, Ajay Chaudhary, and Sunil Prabhu and asked them to file a reply within five days.On the request of providing security to 39 MLAs alleging threats to them, the Supreme Court recorded the statement of the standing counsel of the Maharashtra government, Rahul Chitnis, that adequate steps have already been taken and the state government will further ensure that no harm is caused to the life, liberty, property of the MLAs.PromotedListen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.comDuring the hearing, senior advocate Neeraj Kishan Kaul appearing for Eknath Shinde and others told the Supreme Court that the Deputy Speaker cannot proceed with the disqualification proceedings when the resolution seeking his removal is pending.(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Shrikant Shinde said "truth has won" on Supreme Court relief on disqualification notice to 16 rebelsNew Delhi: Shrikant Shinde, Shiv Sena MP and the son of Maharashtra's rebel MLA Eknath Shinde, today claimed legitimacy for the faction led by his father. Asked about real and fake Shiv Sena in an exclusive interview with NDTV, he said, "I think today there are more than 50 MLAs under the leadership of Shinde Saheb. Everyone says that we are still in Shiv Sena. All are Shiv Sainiks and all belong to Shiv Sena".In a petition in Supreme Court, Eknath Shinde said the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance in Maharashtra has lost majority in the house as 38 of 55 Shiv Sena legislators have withdrawn their support to the coalition. Leaders in the Shinde faction have been talking of calling themselves the "Shiv Sena Balasaheb Thackeray" and staking claim for the party symbol. The Thackeray faction has already made a pre-emptive move, writing to the Election Commission against this.The Thackeray faction has claimed that at least 20 MLAs camping with Mr Shinde are against a merger with the BJP and have been in touch with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. Regarding the relief from the Supreme Court regarding the disqualification notice to 16 of the rebels, Shrikant Shinde said the "truth has won"."The Deputy Chairman tried to disqualify them illegally, it was not right. That's why we filed a petition in the Supreme Court and we have won," he said.PromotedListen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.comEarlier today, the Supreme Court issued notices to Maharashtra Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal, Chief Whip Sunil Prabhu, leader of Legislature party Anil Chaudhary and the Centre in response to several petitions from the Shinde camp.Shrikant Shinde also denied any knowledge about the Enforcement Directorate notice to Sena's Sanjay Raut or whether any other MLA is in touch with the Shinde camp.
Both sides have refused to blink and appear prepared for a long fight (File)Mumbai: Shiv Sena rebel Eknath Shinde today declared that he will go to Mumbai and "take Balasaheb Thackeray's legacy forward" as he spoke to reporters outside a hotel in Guwahati where he and other rebels have been staying for a week.Eknath Shinde, the leader of a staggering coup against Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, claims that he has the backing of around 50 MLAs, nearly 40 from the Shiv Sena.Sources say Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari may ask the Maharashtra government to prove majority in the assembly sometime this week.In a relief to rebel Shiv Sena MLAs, the Supreme Court on Tuesday gave them time till July 12 to file their responses to the disqualification notices issued to them by Deputy Speaker Narahari Zirwal.Acting on the pleas filed by the rebels, the Supreme Court also sought responses from the Deputy Speaker, chief whip of Shiv Sena Sunil Prabhu and leader of Shiv Sena Legislature Party Ajay Chaudhary and the Centre.Here are the LIVE updates on the Maharashtra Crisis:Get NDTV UpdatesTurn on notifications to receive alerts as this story develops.Jun 28, 2022 14:58 (IST)Shiv Sena refutes reports that Uddhav Thackeray called Devendra Fadnavis amid crisisShiv Sena on Tuesday refuted reports which claimed that Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had called BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis to save the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.In an official statement, Shiv Sena spokesperson Harshal Pradhan said, "Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray called Devendra Fadnavis to save the government some such news is going on but this news is only to mislead. Whatever, Uddhav Thackeray has to say, he speaks publicly."Jun 28, 2022 14:51 (IST)Sanjay Raut issued fresh summons by EDEnforcement Directorate (ED) has sent a second summon to Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, asking him to appear before them on July 1 in connection with the Patra Chawl land scam case.Jun 28, 2022 14:37 (IST)Eknath Shinde to launch the next act of his rebellion - staking claim to powerShiv Sena rebel Eknath Shinde said today he would go to Mumbai "soon" and "take Balasaheb Thackeray's legacy forward", indicating that he is ready to launch his next play . Read MoreJun 28, 2022 14:13 (IST)Key Cabinet Meeting At 5 PMMaharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will chair a key cabinet meeting at 5 pm. The officials said Mr Thackeray, who tested postive for Covid last week, will attend the meeting virtually.Jun 28, 2022 13:57 (IST) 10 people attacked a Shiv Sainik. His condition is fine...The person who got elected on a Shiv Sena ticket and is sitting in Guwahati got our Shiv Sainik attacked through his supporters: Shiv Sena MP Sanjay RautJun 28, 2022 13:45 (IST)Rebel Shiv Sena MLA Eknath Shinde today said that he will be in Mumbai soon to launch his next move.Jun 28, 2022 13:15 (IST)BJP Leader Devendra Fadnavis Headed To Delhi: SourcesBJP leaders reportedly met at former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's home in Mumbai to discuss the arithmetic required to form a government in a tie-up with the Shinde Sena faction. Sources say Mr Fadnavis is now headed to Delhi where he will meet the party's high command this evening. Jun 28, 2022 12:53 (IST)We Will Wait And Watch, Says BJP#MaharashtraCrisis | "We are still in wait and watch mode. We want to see when Maha Vikas Aghadi declares that it is in minority": BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar pic.twitter.com/WwqnkY02oQ- NDTV (@ndtv) June 28, 2022Jun 28, 2022 12:18 (IST) Sanjay Raut seeks more time to appear before EDShiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday sought more time to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering probe, an official said.The ED had summoned Rajya Sabha member Raut on Tuesday for questioning in the money laundering probe linked to the re-development of a Mumbai 'chawl' and other related financial transactions involving his wife and friends.Jun 28, 2022 11:27 (IST) Eknath Shinde group to hold a meeting today afternoon for further plan of action. They are expected to take an important decision, sources have saidJun 28, 2022 11:07 (IST)Amid Special Hotel Arrangements, Rebel Sena Camp Extends Guwahati StayThe area around the Guwahati hotel where Shiv Sena rebel Eknath Shinde has been staying along with fellow rebel MLAs for the past week has started resembling his Maharashtra strongholds. Billboards with supportive slogans have cropped up around the hotel amid massive security arrangements by the Assam government. Read MoreJun 28, 2022 10:50 (IST) Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will hold a cabinet meeting at 2.30 pmJun 28, 2022 09:36 (IST)15-20 Rebel Shiv Sena MLAs Want To Come Back, Claims Aaditya ThackerayMaharashtra Tourism Minister Aaditya Thackeray on Monday claimed 15 to 20 Shiv Sena MLAs who have joined the rebel camp are in touch with him and have urged the party to bring them back to Mumbai from Guwahati, where they are lodged in a hotel along with Cabinet minister Eknath Shinde whose rebellion has pushed the MVA government into a major crisis. Read MoreJun 28, 2022 09:34 (IST)No-Trust Vote Buzz In Maharashtra After Court Breather To Sena RebelsIn relief to rebel Shiv Sena MLAs, the Supreme Court gave them time till July 12 to file responses to the disqualification notices issued to them by the Deputy Speaker and also turned down a plea by the state government against holding a floor test.
GUWAHATI: As the Maharashtra political crisis continued, rebel Shiv Sena MLA Deepak Kesarkar on Sunday said they have a majority and are ready to face a floor test in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Kesarkar said that apart from Maharashtra Cabinet Minister for Higher and Technical Education Uday Samant, one or two more MLAs will join them. "One, two more MLAs will come. With the support of our associate party and Independent MLAs, our strength will increase to 51," he said. Reacting to Sanjay Raut who took a potshot at the Eknath Shinde-led faction of rebel MLAs and asked how long they will hide in Guwahati, Kesarkar said he speaks in an indecent language. "His language is indecent. I didn't make such type of statement. He was our leader. This is very bad. Your numbers have decreased and now you will say anything. It is not acceptable," he said. Earlier, Raut in a tweet said, "Kab tak chhipoge Gauhati mein...Aana hi padega Chowpatty mein (How long will you hide in Guwahati, you have to come back to Chowpatty)." The political turbulence in Maharashtra was triggered by the faction war in Shiv Sena after Minister Eknath Shinde flew to Surat with some MLAs and then to Guwahati where he claims to have the support of 38 MLAs of the party, thus achieving the two-thirds majority in the Shiv Sena. According to sources, Maharashtra deputy speaker Narhari Zirwal has sent notices to the 16 Shiv Sena rebel MLAs. The MLAs have to be present in Mumbai on Monday for the hearing of disqualification. Notably, Zirwal has earlier approved the appointment of Ajay Choudhary as Shiv Sena Legislature Party leader, replacing Shinde, the state cabinet minister who rebelled against the Shiv Sena leadership. Zirwal also turned down the Shinde camp's suggestion to appoint rebel Shiv Sena MLA Bharat Gogawale as the chief whip of the legislature party in place of Sunil Prabhu. "When the court will reject the wrong decision given by the Deputy Speaker against us, then we will go. We are ready to move to the court against the wrong decision taken by the Deputy Speaker," Kesarkar said. "They had taken a wrong decision. How only 16 people can take a decision of a 55-member party. It has needed a two-thirds majority to break the party and has needed at least 50 per cent to change the leadership," he added. "Our decision will come out in the next 3-4 days and after that, we will directly go to Maharashtra," he said. He further said that their leader Eknath Shinde has assured all protection and care to MLAs. "He (Eknath Shinde) has assured to protect us. He is also worried about it. The Governor today has given Y security and and protection to all our houses. We are happy with this," Kesarkar said.
In his first public statement after the rebellion within the Shiv Sena threatened the stability of the Maharashtra government, NCP chief Sharad Pawar has said he is hopeful that the Sena MLAs will return and that the Maha Vikas Aghadi under Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership will prove its majority. He blamed the BJP for facilitating the rebellion.“When the MLAs return they will narrate the reality of how they were taken. When they come here and clarify that they are with the Shiv Sena, the majority of the MVA will be proved,’ Pawar said after a meeting of NCP legislators in Mumbai on Thursday.Pawar said the rebel MLAs needed to first return to Maharashtra to challenge the majority of the government.“Whether this government is in a minority or not will be tested on the floor of the Assembly. When the test happens it will be proved that the MVA has the majority. We have faced such situations in the past as well. We will prove the majority under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray and this government will survive,” he said.Pawar also hinted that Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut’s overture to the rebel MLAs saying the party could contemplate leaving the alliance was an internal matter of that party. “Those who left their leaders are saying that they are angry about the Shiv Sena having formed an alliance with Congress and the NCP. Sanjay Raut has said that if that is what is troubling them, their opinion can be considered but they need to say that here in Maharashtra and not speak while sitting in Assam. That is all that he has said.” he said.While reacting to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s statement that prima facie, the BJP does not seem to be involved in facilitating the rebellion, Pawar took a swipe at his nephew. “Ajit Pawar may have said what he said looking at the situation in the state. Eknath Shinde’s hand was visible here in the state as MLAs disappeared. While Ajit may know what is happening in the state, I know better as to what is happening in Gujarat and Assam,” Pawar said.“I came across an interview with Eknath Shinde where he has said that a national party is willing to extend support to him. Let me read out the names of national parties in India as listed by the ECI. They are the BJP, BSP, CPI, CPM, TMC and the NCP. Do you think any of these parties other than the BJP would support this rebellion,” he said, adding that Gujarat BJP president CR Paatil was involved in making arrangements for the rebels’ stay in Surat while the same was done by the Assam government in Gauhati.Pawar also said the rebel MLAs needed to come to Maharashtra to achieve their goals. “They will need to come here in front of the governor or on the premises of the Vidhan Bhavan. Leaders from Assam and Gujarat will not be around to address them,” he said.On the rebel MLAs grouse that they were not getting adequate development funds because of the NCP, Pawar said they were trying to save their skin in front of their voters.“These are false statements. The decision these people have taken is a violation of the anti-defection law and the repercussions will be seen in their constituencies. We had a similar revolt done by Chhagan Bhujbal in which over a dozen people were involved. Only one of them got re-elected in the next elections. These people may also face the same consequences and are raising these issues of funds to save themselves,” he said.Pawar further said that some of the rebel MLAs were being investigated by central agencies and the fear of these agencies could have had a bearing on the steps that they took.
Mumbai: As the crisis in Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ally Shiv Sena escalates, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar on Thursday said that his party will work to save the government. “A floor test will decide who has majority,” Pawar, whose Nationalist Congress Party told reporters this evening.Also Read - Rajinder Nagar Bypoll: 43.75% Voter Turnout Recorded in Delhi's Key Constituency“Everyone knows how the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs were taken to Gujarat and then Assam (both BJP-ruled). We don’t have to take the names of all those assisting them…Assam government is helping them. I don’t need to take any names further,” Pawar added. Also Read - Shiv Sena Calls Key Meet Today, Seeks Disqualification of Rebel MLAs Amid Crisis | Top DevelopmentsEarlier today, the NCP asserted that the party would do all it can to save Maharashtra’s ruling alliance Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). While addressing the media, NCP leader Ajit Pawar said that his party is firmly with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. Also Read - Eknath Shinde Camp To Join Hands With BJP? Here's What Rebel MLA Said“We will do all we can to save the alliance government,” said Ajit Pawar, a senior leader of the NCP. “I spoke to Uddhav Thackeray over the phone (about the political crisis),” he said.The MVA has been pushed to the brink after a section of Shiv Sena MLAs, led by Cabinet minister Eknath Shinde, raised a banner of revolt against the party leadership. Ajit Pawar, who also holds the finance portfolio, rejected criticism that he has denied development funds to MVA allies Congress and the Shiv Sena.“I have never discriminated against anyone. There was never any cut on budgetary funds,” he said.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar speaks to reporters amid Maharashtra crisisMumbai: Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar today expressed confidence the Maha Vikas Aghadi government would survive the storm unleashed by rebel MLA Eknath Shinde, who claims the support of over 40 MLAs."A floor test will decide who has majority," Mr Pawar, whose Nationalist Congress Party, or MVA, is a Shiv Sena ally, told reporters this evening."Everyone knows how the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs were taken to Gujarat and then Assam (both BJP-ruled). We don't have to take the names of all those assisting them...Assam government is helping them. I don't need to take any names further," Mr Pawar said.Only 13 MLAs came for a meeting with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray today, sources have said, while the rebel MLA Mr Shinde in a video to prove that he has the upper hand showed at least 42 MLAs camping at a hotel in Assam's Guwahati.In a last-ditch attempt to save the ruling Maharashtra alliance, Team Thackeray has decided to file an appeal with the Maharashtra assembly Deputy Speaker seeking to disqualify 15 rebel MLAs, sources have said.PromotedListen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.comThe Sena may not move to disqualify 30 or more MLAs, however, since that would bring the halfway mark down, which would benefit the BJP. Sena's play appears to be to go for disqualifying a few rebels to discourage the rest from facing elections, hence forcing them to return."The rebel MLAs of Shiv Sena will have to come to Mumbai...because if the minority is Maha Vikas Aghadi, then they will have to come to the Vidhan Sabha...and who will support them once they come to the assembly? Will BJP leaders from Gujarat and Assam come to the assembly to support them?" Mr Pawar said.
Good morning,In an interim relief for the Shiv Sena rebel MLAs, the Supreme Court extended the deadline set by Maharashtra Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal to reply to notices on pleas seeking their disqualification from the Assembly. The apex court said they had time until 5.30 pm on July 12 to send their replies and fixed July 11 as the next date of hearing.The political crisis in Maharashtra has given rise to the question of whether the Shiv Sena rebels can avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law. With the rebel camp claiming they have the support of at least 39 MLAs, we explain the 2/3rd rule in anti-defection law.At a time when Sanjay Raut has been trying to rally the Shiv Sena MLAs and cadre behind Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, the Enforcement Directorate has issued summons to the Sena MP in a case related to irregularities in a chawl redevelopment project at Mumbai’s Goregaon.Facing rebellion within his party, Thackeray took away the portfolios of rebel ministers camping in Assam’s Guwahati and allocated them to other cabinet colleagues.Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena’s rebel group led by Eknath Shinde is learnt to be strategising to approach the Governor, informing him of their decision to withdraw support from the MVA, and thereby, prompting a floor test.The Supreme Court, while dismissing appeals against the clean chit to then Chief Minister Narendra Modi and others in the Gujarat riots case, said the matter is being pursued to keep the pot boiling, obviously, for ulterior design” and said “all those involved in such abuse of process, need to be in the dock and proceeded with in accordance with law”. Yet it was the Supreme Court which, through hearings and orders over the years, called for “fair and impartial investigation” into the riots cases. Two cases — of the Best Bakery and Bilkis Bano — were moved out of Gujarat to Maharashtra. Here’s what Supreme Court once said and did.Is lack of clarity on policy and progressive clamping down on cryptocurrencies forcing Indian entrepreneurs and developers in the Web 3.0 to leave the country in search of greener pastures? With the UAE and Singapore actively promoting the ecosystem, co-founders of India’s cryptocurrency exchanges have been relocating with families to these destinations in the last couple of years.A cyber unit of Delhi Police arrested Mohammed Zubair, the co-founder of fact-checking website AltNews, on charges of allegedly hurting religious sentiments following a complaint by a social media user who referred to a tweet from 2018. Police sources said the complainant in the case goes by the Twitter name Hanuman Bhakt.India, along with G7 countries and four invited countries, signed the ‘2022 Resilient Democracies Statement’ in which they committed to “guarding the freedom, independence and diversity of civil society actors” and “protecting the freedom of expression and opinion online and offline”.In an attempt to increase participation of women in the gig economy, the NITI Aayog has proposed fiscal incentives like tax breaks or startup grants for companies with about one-third of their workforce as women and people with disabilities (PwDs). Key points in its report include:🔴A survey conducted across urban centres of India revealed that women are more likely to take up platform jobs after their education and marriage.🔴 Female labour force participation in India has remained low, oscillating between 16 per cent to 23 per cent in the last few years.🔴 Platform companies offer flexibility and choice of labour to all workers in general, and women in particular, empowering them to monetise their idle assets when and where they want.🔴 It also recommended that businesses have a higher share of women managers and supervisors in the organisation to ensure that communication to workers does not perpetuate gender stereotypes.Another report, released by the Ministry of Education, states that as India entered the pandemic year, students in around 61 per cent districts of the country had very little exposure to digital learning due to limited availability of computers, Internet facilities and teachers trained to handle technological tools in schools.Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan questioned the Congress’ “silence” over the arrest of retired DGP R B Sreekumar and activist Teesta Setalvad by the Gujarat Police a day after the Supreme Court upheld the clean chit by the SIT to the state government, then led by Narendra Modi, in the 2002 Gujarat riots case. “The Congress could have organised at least a nominal protest,” he said.Aditi Mutatkar, a former international shuttler, remembers getting awkward when boys at her academy didn’t know why she came for badminton training, wearing dark shorts a few days of the month. Now, with a myriad voices raising questions about Wimbledon’s pedantic white-only clothing rule, unrelenting even for women players on their periods, sport is in for a serious sartorial reckoning of its age-old traditions.Delhi confidential: With the digital push targeting the youth ahead of Uttar Pradesh elections finding success, a new mission — New India For Young India — is already launched in poll-bound Gujarat, with Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar visiting universities to tell students about the government’s programmes and schemes. The programme is to create a buzz about new opportunities such as space and start-ups.In today’s episode of the ‘3 Things’ podcast, we discuss how the sanctions against Russia have fared and why AAP lost the recent bypolls in Punjab. We also delve into the companies looking to invest in Congress-ruled Rajasthan, and what it says about our economy.Until tomorrow,Leela Prasad and Sonal Gupta
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday granted interim relief to rebel Shiv Sena MLAs and said that no decision will be taken on their disqualification till July 12. The Maharashtra deputy Speaker had granted the legislators time till June 27 evening to file a reply. Acting on rebel leader Eknath Shinde's petition challenging the disqualification notices issued to him and 15 other MLAs last week, the SC bench issued notices to deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal, chief whip Sunil Prabhu, leader of legislature party Anil Chaudhary and the Centre. The SC has also asked Zirwal to file an affidavit and put on record the no-trust notice served upon him by the rebel MLAs. During the hearing, the Sena rebels contended that the deputy Speaker is not competent to decide the disqualification plea if there is a notice pending for his own removal. Floor testThe SC further refused to pass any interim order on a plea by the Shiv Sena that there should not be any floor test in the Maharashtra legislative assembly till the next date of hearing. "We cannot pass order on floor test as that would create unnecessary complications. If anything illegal happens, you can always move this court," the SC said while refusing to pass an interim order on floor test. On request of providing security to 39 MLAs alleging threat, the SC recorded the statement of standing counsel of Maharashtra government that adequate steps have already been taken and that the state government will further ensure that no harm is caused to the life, liberty, or property of the MLAs. (With inputs from agencies)
Maharashtra Crisis: Eknath Shinde has claimed he has the support of more than 50 MLAsMumbai: As Eknath Shinde moved the Supreme Court against the Shiv Sena's move to disqualify him and 15 other rebel MLAs, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's team said they are prepared for a legal battle. Here are the top 10 updates on this big storyActing on Eknath Shinde's petition challenging the disqualification notices issued to him and 15 other rebel MLAs last week, the Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal, Chief Whip Sunil Prabhu, leader of Legislature party Anil Chaudhary and the Centre. The top court will now hear the matter on July 11.The petition had also said that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra has lost the majority in the house as 38 of 55 Shiv Sena legislators have withdrawn their support to the coalition. The Supreme Court asked the rebels' lawyer why they did not approach the Bombay High Court first. To this, advocate NK Kaul replied that the rebels' houses and properties are being threatened, and the situation is not conducive for them to pursue their rights in Bombay.In a separate plea filed in the Supreme Court today, Eknath Shinde claimed a "serious threat" to the lives of the MLAs of his faction. The petition also mentioned Sanjay Raut's "dead bodies" remarks, which the party MP had later clarified saying he was speaking about the "dead conscience" of the legislators.Sanjay Raut, a close aide of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, was today served summons by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case. Mr Raut responded with the charge that "this is a conspiracy to stop me". Earlier in the day, the Shiv Sena MP had said that his party was ready for a "street fight and a legal battle".Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has stripped nine rebel ministers of their portfolios. "The portfolios of the rebel ministers were being handed over to other ministers for ease of administration," an official statement said.Reports suggest that Eknath Shinde, leading the rebellion against Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, spoke to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray twice and discussed the "recent political situation" in the state. Mr Shinde's supporters have organised a show of strength in Thane today.A group of citizens today filed a public interest litigation or PIL in the Bombay High Court against Eknath Shinde and other rebel Shiv Sena MLAs for causing a "political turmoil". It urged the high court to direct the rebel leaders to return to the state and resume their duties.With the Centre providing Y-plus security to rebel MLAs, Shiv Sena, in its mouthpiece 'Saamna', today claimed it was now evident that the BJP was "pulling the strings" amid the current political turmoil in Maharashtra.The hotel Radisson Blu, where the rebel MLAs have been staying since Wednesday, has been blocked till June 30. Sources say BJP workers are working shifts to help the rebels with logistics - one of the many signs that the rebels are being hosted and enabled by the BJP. Comments
MUMBAI: Senior leaders of Congress and NCP met Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Monday, hours after the Supreme Court kept in abeyance the disqualification proceedings before the Assembly Deputy Speaker till July 11 and sought responses to pleas by rebel MLAs questioning the legality of notices seeking their disqualification. “We are alliance partners. We will sit together and discuss things,” state Congress chief Nana Patole told reporters outside Matoshri bungalow, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's residence in suburban Bandra, after meeting him late evening. Congress minister and former CM Ashok Chavan also met Thackeray. The ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress in Maharashtra is battling a political crisis that unfolded last week after Sena minister Eknath Shinde went to Surat in Gujarat and from there to Guwahati in Assam with several Sena MLAs. Both the states are ruled by the BJP. NCP leaders Dilip Walse Patil and Jayant Patil also met Thackeray on Monday.
Further deepening the crisis for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, another Maharashtra minister, Uday Samant, on Sunday reached Guwahati and joined the dissident camp of MLAs led by his cabinet colleague Eknath Shinde. Samant, who went incommunicado during the day, reached Guwahati from Surat. He came aboard a chartered flight and landed at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport here along with three others, sources said. Samant's convoy, escorted by Assam Police, was seen entering the Radisson Blu Hotel off NH-37. So far, Maharashtra cabinet ministers Gulabrao Patil, Dada Bhuse, Sandipan Bhumre, and ministers of state Shamburaje Desai and Abdul Sattar have joined the rebel camp. Another minister, Bachu Kadu of Prahar Janshakti Party, and an Independent minister from Sena quota, Rajendra Yedravkar, have also been camping with Shinde. Dissident legislators of Shiv Sena, which heads the ruling coalition, have been camping in Guwahati, around 2,700 km away from Mumbai, since June 22. A group of rebel Shiv Sena MLAs, led by Shinde, were taken to Surat from Mumbai on June 21 and then flown to Guwahati the next day. Since then, several chartered flights carrying dissident MLAs have landed at LGBI Airport. The Maharashtra Legislature Secretariat on Saturday issued summonses to 16 of the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs, including Shinde, seeking written replies by the evening of June 27 to the complaints seeking their disqualification. The MLAs, after receiving the notices, have been huddling inside the hotel since Sunday morning, discussing various options to respond to the notices, sources said.
At least six of the 38 rebel Shiv Sena MLAs camping in Guwahati have called the NCP’s “harassment” of party workers for the past two-and-a-half years, especially in the context of distribution of funds to their respective constituencies – alongside the inaccessibility of embattled Chief Minister Udhhav Thackeray – the reason for their decision to walk out of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition that their party formed with the NCP and Congress in 2019.The NCP and Shiv Sena had long been rivals, ideologically and electorally, till the MVA was formed. While their first families — the Pawars and Thackerays – enjoyed cordial ties, old rivalries among party leaders appear to have been exacerbated by what was seen as the NCP’s overarching influence in the MVA coalition. NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, in fact, was considered the glue holding the coalition together.Incidentally, it was former chief minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis who first raised the issue of “unequal distribution of funds” in the state Assembly. In March this year, he said maximum funds had been sanctioned to the NCP, with the Sena receiving less in comparison. Deputy CM and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar of the NCP had refuted the allegations then.A look at the allegations the rebels made against the NCP:* Eknath Shinde, the leader of the Sena rebels, tweeted that the MVA was “a dragon under whose clutches the Shiv Sena is”, and that he was fighting to free the Shiv Sena and Sainiks.* Sanjay Shirsat, Aurangabad West MLA, said: “The NCP and Congress were getting funds but the Sena MLAs did not get them. People in our constituency used to ask us, ‘Even after the chief minister is ours, how come you are not getting funds but other parties are getting?’.”* Mahesh Shinde, MLA from Koregaon in Satara District, also alleged a “huge discrepancy” in the funds that the Sena received in comparison to the NCP. “While Sena MLAs got Rs 50-55 crore as funds for their constituency, all the NCP MLAs got a minimum or RS 700-800 crore sanctioned in their areas.”He has also claimed Sena MLAs were not “invited for government functions”, and that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar of the NCP “did not pay heed to instructions from the CMs office”.He added: “State NCP president Jayant Patil visited almost all constituencies from where Sena MLAs were elected. In his speeches he stated that in the next elections, an NCP candidate would get elected from the constituency.”* Shambhuraje Desai, MLA from Patan and Minister of State (MOS) for finance, said: “Many MLAs would come to me for their work in their constituency and would request to make provision of the funds in the budget. Even as I was MoS for finance, I had no powers to make provisions of funds in the budget”.Desai added: “I had to keep requesting the Finance minister Ajit Pawar for providing funds even to carry out any work in my own constituency. In my own experience, even in the earlier government of Maha Yuti (BJP-Shiv Sena), I did not receive much funding for my constituency. But if this is my condition even after becoming the MoS for finance, then the other MLAs not getting the funds is the fact. I have been conveying it to the CM that the MLAs are upset but no decision was taken on it.”* Dipak Kesarkar, Sawantwadi MLA, spoke similarly: “Sena MLAs were not getting development funds, but the NCP was distributing the same to its candidates who lost instead. The NCP was basically making the candidates of every constituency strong by providing funds and doing development but at the same time Sena MLA would not get the funds to do the similar development works.”Kesarkar also suggested that important ministerial portfolios were cornered by the NCP. “The only good departments we had were the Urban Development and the Industries department. For everything else we had to go to the NCP to get our work done.”Newsletter | Click to get the day’s best explainers in your inbox* Sandeepanrao Bhumre, minister and MLA from Aurangabad, said: “The Congress is not much of a problem. But, we don’t get along with the NCP.”* Bharatsheth Gogawale, the chief whip of the Shinde camp and MLA Mahad said that while Uddhav did “not hold a single meeting in the past 2.5 years with candidates who lost Assembly polls in 2019, nor provided funds to give them strength to help the party grow in their constituencies”, the NCP’s Ajit Pawar had given money “to all MLAs, corporators, even zilla parishad members and sarpanchs” of the NCP.
Some MPs have come out strongly in support of Uddhav Thackeray. (File)Mumbai: As most Shiv Sena MLAs deserted Uddhav Thackeray to cross over to the rebel camp led by Eknath Shinde, MPs too switched sides, leaving the powerful family at the core of the party virtually isolated.More than a dozen MPs are reportedly supporting rebel Eknath Shinde, who claims to have enough MLAs on his side - he needs 37 - to split the Sena and claim leadership of the party founded by Bal Thackeray.Rajan Vichare, the Shiv Sena MP from Thane; Bhavna Gawli, the MP from Washim; Krupal Tumane, the MP from Ramtek; Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde; and Palghar MP Rajendra Gavit have sided with Mr Shinde.Rajan Vichare and Shrikant Shinde are believed to be in Guwahati in Assam, where the rebels are camping in a five-star hotel.Krupal Tumane this morning denied reports that he had joined the rebel group. "Patience is the need of the hour," he said.The Shiv Sena has 55 MLAs in the assembly. Mr Shinde's camp claims the support of 40.As for MPs, the Sena has 19 in Lok Sabha and three in Rajya Sabha.Mr Tumane insisted he is still with the Shiv Sena.PromotedListen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com"Nobody has contacted me, nor I have supported anyone. I am with the Shiv Sena only. Some information is being spread about me, which is absolutely incorrect. Keeping patience is the need of the hour," he told reporters.Some MPs have come out strongly in support of Uddhav Thackeray. Besides Sanjay Raut, who has firmly rejected the possibility that Uddhav Thackeray's government is on the verge of collapse, Rajya Sabha member Priyanka Chaturvedi has said it is "time to fight" in a series of tweets..@ShivSena functions like one big family, more about social bonding for larger good over its politics. ShivSainiks work for respect&honour. That principle has been broken by the engineering of those desperate for power. Hon. Party President has shared his heart out, time to fight— Priyanka Chaturvedi???????? (@priyankac19) June 22, 2022"Shiv Sena functions like one big family, more about social bonding for larger good over its politics. Shiv Sainiks work for respect and honour. That principle has been broken by the engineering of those desperate for power. Hon. Party President has shared his heart out, time to fight," she wrote after Uddhav Thackeray's emotional speech last evening.
IN THE ongoing turmoil in the Shiv Sena, one thing that has come out in the open is that the party has a problem when it comes to getting along with Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) – its alliance partner in the state’s ruling Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. A few MLAs belonging to the rebel group led by Eknath Shinde made it clear that they don’t have a problem dealing with the Congress – the third alliance partner – even as they are at odds with the NCP across the state.“We don’t have a problem with our leadership (with the CM) but we have a problem in dealing with the Congress and the NCP, more so with the NCP,” Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat told a Marathi new channel on Tuesday morning from Guwahati where the rebel group is camping.Echoing his views, another rebel Sena MLA, cabinet minister Sandeepan Bhumre, said, “Congress is not much of a problem. But, we don’t get along with the NCP.” The MLAs complained that they were not getting the development funds required for their constituencies.Bhumre said, “Our main demand is that our work should be done; we should get development fund for our constituencies.”Bhumre said the Sena MLAs were repeatedly facing harassment from the Congress and the NCP. “We had repeatedly told the CM about the hurdles we were facing,” said Bhumre, who had once said that he would “jump from seventh floor of a building” to prove his loyalty to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.A former Shiv Sena MP said, “Take the case of Pune district: the Shiv Sena is strong in rural areas. The BJP hardly has a presence in rural parts. Our fight here is with the NCP. In the next elections, many of our Sainiks might not get to even contest. So what is the use of teaming up with the NCP?”Though elections are far away, the former MP said that the Sena MLAs and even ministers are hard-pressed to get funds sanctioned for their constituencies as the respective ministries are held by NCP leaders.In Maval Lok Sabha in Pune district, where Shiv Sena’s Shrirang Barne has won twice with huge margin, the NCP is believed to be grooming Parth Pawar. “The NCP is determined that Parth Pawar should get the ticket from Maval in the next Lok Sabha election. That means a proven winner will have to lose out if Ajit Pawar puts his foot down and ifSena remains in alliance with the NCP,” said a Sena MP. MVA minister Bachchu Kadu, who heads the Prahar Janshakti, which had aligned with the Shiv Sena but has turned rebel now, told a news channel: “I don’t have any personal issues…The MLAs had issues regarding distribution of development funds. There was gross inequality in distribution of development required by MLAs in their constituencies…Shiv Sena MLAs felt neglected…”NCP spokesperson Ankush Kakade denied that there was friction between the NCP and the Sena. “Actually, those who have lost election to NCP candidates are making all the noise. The NCP and the Sena have very cordial relations, both at the top and at lower levels as well.”Farmer leader Raju Shetti, whose Swambhimani Paksha had aligned with the MVA, said that from the reactions that are emerging from the rebel MLAs, it is clear that the NCP has not treated its ally with respect. “The NCP has not treated a friendly party with respect. NCP leaders seemed to be power hungry, the way they have behaved is not good for democracy,” he said.On the other hand, Congress spokesperson Gopal Tiwari said, “The Congress shares a very good rapport with the Sena. Sena leaders like the CM and Sanjay Raut have repeatedly said that top Congress leaders are in touch with them regularly. At local or grassroots level too, Congress has no quarrel with the Sena.”Meanwhile, Kadu said 33 Shiv Sena MLAs and three independent legislators are with them.Stating that they will be forming a separate group in the state Assembly, Kadu claimed that in the next two or three days, the figure of MLAs who would join them would go up to 50. “These include those from the Shiv Sena, independents and Congress party as well,” he told a Marathi news channel. When asked whether BJP leaders from Maharashtra were in touch with them, Kadu replied in the affirmative. “Te chaloo ahey… (that’s going on). SanjayKute of the BJP is with us,” he said.Kadu said he had called up Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday. “The CM sounded upset…he said you come back, we will discuss (the issue),” he said.Kadu denied allegations by Sena spokesperson Raut that a few of the MLAs were forcibly being taken to Surat and even beaten up. “No, that’s not true. We are all together, happy and here on our own free will,” he said.Bhumre said, “There are 35-36 MLAs in our group. We are all together under the leadership of Eknath Shinde. We will follow whatever decision he takes. Many people have called me; I told them that I was with Shinde saheb. We have accepted his leadership,” he said. “We will remain with Shiv Sena…” he added.
Ajay Choudhari, who was on Tuesday appointed the Shiv Sena Legislature Party leader by Uddhav Thackeray, said that 19 MLAs attended the meeting with the chief minister at his official bungalow Varsha Wednesday evening.“We have the support of 22 MLAs and 19 of them attended the meeting with the CM. We will all stay at St Regis hotel on Wednesday night and on Thursday, everyone will be allowed to go home.” He claimed that nearly 500 Shiv Sainiks are guarding the hotel.Choudhari, the MLA from Sewree, said he would be going home on Wednesday night. “MLAs like Ravindra Waikar and Aaditya Thackeray would also go home tonight,” he added.He said that Minister Dada Bhuse, a close associate of rebel leader Eknath Shinde, was still in Mumbai and so was former minister Sanjay Rathod.Choudhari further said that Cabinet Minister Gulabrao Patil had left to join the group of rebel MLAs and so had MLA yogesh Kadam, son of Sena leader Ramdas Kadam.When contacted, Ramdas Kadam said, “My son has taken a decision to join Eknath Shinde’s team. He asked me and I told him to take the decision that he felt was appropriate. I will continue to be a Shiv Sainik.”
The rebel MLAs said they do not have any complaints against the Shiv Sena leadership.Mumbai: A Maharashtra Shiv Sena minister, who is among the dissidents led by party leader Eknath Shinde, on Wednesday said they do not have any complaints against the Sena leadership, but they have been upset with the style of function of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress, the other two ruling alliance partners in the state.The Shiv Sena MLAs, who have rebelled against the party, plunging the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra into a crisis, arrived in Assam's Guwahati city by a chartered flight on Wednesday.Speaking to a TV channel over phone, Maharashtra minister Sandipan Bhumare, who is among the dissidents, said, "We do not have any complaints against the Shiv Sena leadership. We have raised our complaints with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, that it was getting difficult to work with the NCP and Congress ministers. It was very difficult for us to get our proposals and work requests approved from their ministers.”To a query, Mr Bhumare said he was given a cabinet portfolio and was satisfied with it."What else do I need in life. But, as a people's representative, I need to address the grievances of my people. I could not do it properly because of these two alliance partners,” he added.Meanwhile, another dissident Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsath told a TV channel that 35 party legislators were in Guwahati.PromotedListen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com"A couple of more MLAs will join us by today evening. We also have the support of three independent MLAs,” he claimed. Mr Shirsath also targeted state NCP and Congress ministers and claimed their "hostile behaviour" forced the Sena legislators to revolt.(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
A Maharashtra Shiv Sena minister, who is among the dissidents led by party leader Eknath Shinde, said they do not have any complaints against the Sena leadership, but they have been upset with the style of function of the NCP and Congress, the other two ruling alliance partners in the state. The Shiv Sena MLAs, who have rebelled against the party, plunging the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra into a crisis, arrived in Assam's Guwahati city by a chartered flight on Wednesday. Speaking to a TV channel over phone, Maharashtra minister Sandipan Bhumare, who is among the dissidents, said, "We do not have any complaints against the Shiv Sena leadership. We have raised our complaints with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, that it was getting difficult to work with the NCP and Congress ministers. It was very difficult for us to get our proposals and work requests approved from their ministers.” To a query, Bhumare said he was given a cabinet portfolio and was satisfied with it. "What else do I need in life. But, as a people's representative, I need to address the grievances of my people. I could not do it properly because of these two alliance partners,” he added. Meanwhile, another dissident Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsath told a TV channel that 35 party legislators were in Guwahati. "A couple of more MLAs will join us by today evening. We also have the support of three independent MLAs,” he claimed. Shirsath also targeted state NCP and Congress ministers and claimed their "hostile behaviour" forced the Sena legislators to revolt.
Sunil Raut is a two-time MLA from Mumbai's Vikhroli in Maharashtra.Mumbai: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut's brother, Sunil Raut, on Monday dismissed claims that he was in touch with rebel Eknath Shinde, stating that he was a staunch Shiv Sainik and will continue to work for the party till his last breath.Sunil Raut is a two-time MLA from Mumbai's Vikhroli in Maharashtra.On Sunday, there were media reports that the rebel Eknath Shinde camp had contacted Sunil Raut and the latter might head towards Guwahati where the rebels has been putting up in hotel since Wednesday.When asked about the speculation, Sunil Raut said: "Why will I go to Guwahati? I would rather go to Goa to see its natural beauty. Will I go to Guwahati to see the faces of those traitors? I am a Shiv Sainik, and I will work for the party till my last breath."He further exuded confidence that Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will surely win."Narayan Rane and Raj Thackeray can say all that they want to say. Uddhav Thackeray will surely win. I was in Shiv Sena and I will remain in this party," he added.The Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra is facing crisis as more than two-thirds of its MLAs have rebelled against the party president and Maharashtra Chief Minister Thackeray.Meanwhile, Mr Shinde has called a meeting of MLAs camping with him later today, said sources.The meeting is called amid a Supreme Court hearing against the disqualification notices issued by Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal against rebel MLAs. The rebel leader also challenged the appointment of Ajay Chaudhary as the Shiv Sena's legislative leader in the House in place of Shinde.The petitioner, Mr Shinde has sought to issue direction to Deputy Speaker to not take any action in the disqualification petition under Rule 6 of MLA Defection Rules seeking disqualification of the rebel MLAs and also not to take any action on the same until the resolution for removal of the Deputy Speaker is decided.The Deputy Speaker, who is in charge of the House in the absence of the Speaker and has issued the notice dated June 25, 2022, in the disqualification petition against the petitioner.Earlier, Mr Shinde spoke to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray about the recent political situation in the state. He spoke to Raj Thackeray over the phone twice and also enquired about his health.Mr Shinde, who is currently camping in Assam along with other MLAs, on Sunday lashed out at the party for allegedly supporting the culprits of the Mumbai bomb blast, Dawood Ibrahim and those responsible for the taking lives of innocent people."How can Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena support people who had a direct connection with culprits of Mumbai bomb blast, Dawood Ibrahim and those responsible for taking lives of innocent people of Mumbai. That's why we took such a step, it's better to die," Mr Shinde said in a tweet.However, Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray claimed that on May 20, CM Uddhav Thackeray had asked Eknath Shinde to become CM if he wanted to, but at that time he did drama and now just a month later, he rebelled.Former minister and Shiv Sena MLA Deepak Kesarkar, who is now in the Eknath Shinde camp, had said that the MLAs of the Shinde camp are ready to face the floor test in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly at any time, but first recognition should be given to Mr Shinde's faction.The Shinde faction has named their group 'Shiv Sena Balasaheb'.PromotedListen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.comThe naming of the group after the name of the Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray attracted sharp reactions from the Uddhav faction as the Chief Minister said that those who left the party should not seek votes in the name of the party founder.(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
MUMBAI: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut's brother, Sunil Raut, on Monday dismissed claims that he was in touch with rebel Eknath Shinde, stating that he was a staunch Shiv Sainik and will continue to work for the party till his last breath. Sunil Raut is a two-time MLA from Mumbai's Vikhroli in Maharashtra. On Sunday, there were media reports that the rebel Eknath Shinde camp had contacted Sunil Raut and the latter might head towards Guwahati where the rebels has been putting up in hotel since Wednesday. When asked about the speculation, Sunil Raut said: "Why will I go to Guwahati? I would rather go to Goa to see its natural beauty. Will I go to Guwahati to see the faces of those traitors? I am a Shiv Sainik, and I will work for the party till my last breath." He further exuded confidence that Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will surely win. "Narayan Rane and Raj Thackeray can say all that they want to say. Uddhav Thackeray will surely win. I was in Shiv Sena and I will remain in this party," he added. The Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra is facing crisis as more than two-thirds of its MLAs have rebelled against the party president and Maharashtra Chief Minister Thackeray. Meanwhile, Shinde has called a meeting of MLAs camping with him later today, said sources. The meeting is called amid a Supreme Court hearing against the disqualification notices issued by Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal against rebel MLAs. The rebel leader also challenged the appointment of Ajay Chaudhary as the Shiv Sena's legislative leader in the House in place of Shinde. The petitioner, Shinde has sought to issue direction to Deputy Speaker to not take any action in the disqualification petition under Rule 6 of MLA Defection Rules seeking disqualification of the rebel MLAs and also not to take any action on the same until the resolution for removal of the Deputy Speaker is decided. The Deputy Speaker, who is in charge of the House in the absence of the Speaker and has issued the notice dated June 25, 2022, in the disqualification petition against the petitioner. Earlier, Shide spoke to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray about the recent political situation in the state. He spoke to Raj Thackeray over the phone twice and also enquired about his health. Shinde, who is currently camping in Assam along with other MLAs, on Sunday lashed out at the party for allegedly supporting the culprits of the Mumbai bomb blast, Dawood Ibrahim and those responsible for the taking lives of innocent people. "How can Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena support people who had a direct connection with culprits of Mumbai bomb blast, Dawood Ibrahim and those responsible for taking lives of innocent people of Mumbai. That's why we took such a step, it's better to die," Shinde said in a tweet. However, Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray claimed that on May 20, CM Uddhav Thackeray had asked Eknath Shinde to become CM if he wanted to, but at that time he did drama and now just a month later, he rebelled. Former minister and Shiv Sena MLA Deepak Kesarkar, who is now in the Eknath Shinde camp, had said that the MLAs of the Shinde camp are ready to face the floor test in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly at any time, but first recognition should be given to Eknath Shinde faction. The Shinde faction has named their group 'Shiv Sena Balasaheb'. The naming of the group after the name of the Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray attracted sharp reactions from the Uddhav faction as the Chief Minister said that those who left the party should not seek votes in the name of the party founder.
The rebels were taken to Guwahati as "prisoners", said Aaditya Thackeray. (FILE)Mumbai: Slamming the dissident Shiv Sena MLAs for having "monstrous ambitions", minister Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday said even if all the party legislators turn rebels, victory will always be of the party.Addressing the Sena workers in Mumbai for the second consecutive day, he also said that doors of the state and party are closed for the rebels MLAs."Contest elections again, we will ensure you are defeated," the 30-year-old son of Sena president and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said.Without naming the BJP, he said he felt ashamed that a party, which is in power at the Centre and Assam, have taken the MLAs from another ruling party from a different state and kept them in the north eastern state that is reeling under floods.The rebels were taken to Guwahati as "prisoners". About 12 to 14 MLAs are still in touch with us, Mr Thackeray said."When these MLAs come to the state assembly, they should have the guts to see in our eyes and tell us what we have not done for them. The ambitions of these people are monstrous," the minister for environment and tourism said.Sufficient development funds had been provided to all the legislators, he said, adding that the Shiv Sena has become the voice of the common people.Majority of party MLAs have sided with rebel party minister Eknath Shinde and they are currently camping at Guwahati in Assam, a BJP-ruled state. Mr Shinde and his group have claimed that they are the "real Shiv Sena". The rebel group said it enjoys a two-thirds majority in the legislature party and will prove its strength in the House. The dissidents have named their group as "Shiv Sena (Balasaheb)"."There was a lot of respect for Eknath Shinde in Shiv Sena. Only in May he had been asked whether he wants to become the chief minister...I pity him, I am not angry. He could have rebelled in Thane or Mumbai and spelled out his ambitions instead of running away to Surat and then to Guwahati," Thackeray said.Addressing the party workers on Saturday, Aaditya had given a subtle warning to the party rebels, saying that the road from Mumbai airport to Vidhan Bhavan, the state legislature complex, goes via Worli.Worli, traditionally a Shiv Sena bastion in Mumbai, is the assembly constituency represented by Aaditya Thackeray."The road from the airport to the Vidhan Bhavan passes via Worli. It's good that the rebels left (Shiv Sena). There is no room for traitors in the party," he had said. Aaditya has started holding meetings with the party workers and office-bearers from Saturday, which is being seen as a move to prevent any erosion of the cadre loyal to the Thackerays.The Mumbai civic polls are expected to be held later this year and the Shiv Sena, which has been ruling Asia's largest civic body for nearly three decades, is striving to retain its hold over it.PromotedListen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.comThe Maharashtra legislature secretariat had on Saturday issued 'summons' to 16 of the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs, including Shinde, seeking written replies by the evening of June 27 to the complaints seeking their disqualification.(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Slamming the dissident Shiv Sena MLAs for having “monstrous ambitions”, minister Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday said even if all the party legislators turn rebels, victory will always be of the party.Addressing the Sena workers in Mumbai for the second consecutive day, he also said that doors of the state and party are closed for the rebels MLAs.“Contest elections again, we will ensure you are defeated,” the 30-year-old son of Sena president and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said.Without naming the BJP, he said he felt ashamed that a party, which is in power at the Centre and Assam, have taken the MLAs from another ruling party from a different state and kept them in the north eastern state that is reeling under floods.The rebels were taken to Guwahati as “prisoners”. About 12 to 14 MLAs are still in touch with us, Thackeray said.“When these MLAs come to the state assembly, they should have the guts to see in our eyes and tell us what we have not done for them. The ambitions of these people are monstrous,” the minister for environment and tourism said.Sufficient development funds had been provided to all the legislators, he said, adding that the Shiv Sena has become the voice of the common people.Majority of party MLAs have sided with rebel party minister Eknath Shinde and they are currently camping at Guwahati in Assam, a BJP-ruled state. Shinde and his group have claimed that they are the “real Shiv Sena”. The rebel group said it enjoys a two-thirds majority in the legislature party and will prove its strength in the House. The dissidents have named their group as “Shiv Sena (Balasaheb)”.“There was a lot of respect for Eknath Shinde in Shiv Sena. Only in May he had been asked whether he wants to become the chief minister…I pity him, I am not angry. He could have rebelled in Thane or Mumbai and spelled out his ambitions instead of running away to Surat and then to Guwahati,” Thackeray said.Addressing the party workers on Saturday, Aaditya had given a subtle warning to the party rebels, saying that the road from Mumbai airport to Vidhan Bhavan, the state legislature complex here, goes via Worli.Worli, traditionally a Shiv Sena bastion in Mumbai, is the assembly constituency represented by Aaditya Thackeray.“The road from the airport to the Vidhan Bhavan passes via Worli. It’s good that the rebels left (Shiv Sena). There is no room for traitors in the party,” he had said.Aaditya has started holding meetings with the party workers and office-bearers from Saturday, which is being seen as a move to prevent any erosion of the cadre loyal to the Thackerays.The Mumbai civic polls are expected to be held later this year and the Shiv Sena, which has been ruling Asia’s largest civic body for nearly three decades, is striving to retain its hold over it.The Maharashtra legislature secretariat had on Saturday issued ‘summons’ to 16 of the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs, including Shinde, seeking written replies by the evening of June 27 to the complaints seeking their disqualification.
