Maharashtra Live: 'Rebel Shiv Sena MLAs Sold Themselves', Says Aaditya Thackeray
Catch all the live updates from the political crisis in Maharashtra here.
Maharashtra Political Crisis News Updates
(Photo: The Quint)
As political turmoil continues to grip the Maharashtra government, Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray addressed Shiv Sainiks in Byculla, Mumbai, on Monday, 27 June, saying that he is aware of their strength and anger. Aaditya said that when the Chief Minister was hospitalised, the rebel MLAs "sold themselves".
Earlier on Monday, a vacation bench of the Supreme Court issued notice on the petition by rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde against the Sena's move to disqualify him and 15 other rebel MLAs.
The court also granted relief to rebel MLAs, extending the time for the petitioners to submit their responses to the disqualification notices till 11 July.
Meanwhile, the BJP core committee held a meeting at Devendra Fadnavis's residence - Sagar Bungalow - to discuss the present political situation in the state.
Some glimpses of the turmoil from the weekend:
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
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The apex court on Monday refused to pass any interim order on the plea that there should not be any floor test in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly till 11 July
The Enforcement Directorate has issued fresh summons to Sena national spokesperson Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut said that the rebel MLAs who have sold their souls are like "the walking dead"
Seven Shiv Sena workers were arrested on Sunday for attacking Shinde's son's office on Saturday
The Centre has provided additional security to families of rebel MLAs in Maharashtra on the request of Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari
The rebel faction currently has more than 40 Sena MLAs, their tally number is 55 including MLAs of the Prahar party and independents
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Eknath Shinde Speaks to MNS Chief Raj Thackeray
Rebel Shiv Sena MLA Eknath Shinde spoke to MNS chief Raj Thackeray over the phone twice, ANI reported. Shinde spoke to Thackeray about the recent political situation in Maharashtra and enquired about his health, an MNS leader confirmed.
'Rebel Camp's Numbers Don't Mean Much': Team Thackeray's Lawyer
Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray’s team on Sunday, with senior advocate Devadatt Kamat's help, explained why the rebel camp’s numbers (40 out of 55) barely held meaning.
Kamat said at a briefing in Mumbai with Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant, that the concept of two-third majority ‘applies only when there is a merger with another part’.
He added that there were several Supreme Court judgements to prove that a legislator was liable to be disqualified if he committed anti-party activities.
"There is a narrative in the media that just because they (rebels) have a 2/3rd majority, they will not face disqualification. You can ask any constitutional lawyer, this is totally wrong," Kamat said.
Aaditya Thackeray Only Maha Cabinet Minister From Sena Who Is MLA
With Maharashtra cabinet minister Uday Samant reaching Guwahati on Sunday to join the Eknath Shinde-led faction, Aaditya Thackeray is now the only cabinet minister from the Shiv Sena quota who is an MLA, while the remaining three from his party are MLCs.
Samant, who headed the Higher and Technical Education ministry, became the ninth minister from Shiv Sena to join the Eknath Shinde camp.
The Sena now has four cabinet ministers, including CM Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, Anil Parab, and Subhash Desai.
'Powerful Force Backing Dissidents': Eknath Khadse
Newly elected NCP MLC Eknath Khadse on Sunday said Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde's rebellion against Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray was due to some "powerful force" backing the dissidents.
SC To Hear Shinde, Rebel MLAs' Plea Against Disqualification Today
A vacation bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice JB Pardiwala is likely to hear Eknath Shinde's plea in Supreme Court on Monday, 27 June.
While Abhishek Manu Singhvi will represent Shiv Sena and Harish Salve will appear for the Shinde camp, Devdatt Kamat is expected to represent the Maharashtra government.
Shinde, on Sunday, 26 June, filed a petition on three counts: challenging the disqualification notice, the appointment of Ajay Choudhary as the leader of Shiv Sena legislature party and the rejection of no-confidence motion against deputy speaker Harihari Zirwal.
The Shinde camp leader of legislature party Bharat Gogawale and the 14 other rebel MLAs also filed a petition.
'How Can Bal Thackeray’s Party Support Those Connected With Dawood?': Eknath Shinde
Launching a fresh attack on the Shiv Sena, rebel leader Eknath Shinde on Sunday, 26 June, asked how Bal Thackeray's party could support the people with a direct connection with Dawood Ibrahim.
"How can Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena support those who have a direct connection with Dawood who killed innocent Mumbaikars by carrying out Mumbai bomb blasts?" he tweeted in Marathi.
He added that such support was the cause of his revolt and he would even give up his life to save Bal Thackeray's Shiv Sena.
Besides referring to Nawab Malik, these tweets are a response to Sena MP Sanjay Raut's comment about Eknath Shinde and other rebel MLAs being "bodies without souls".
Shinde Calls a Meeting at Radisson Blu
Ahead of the Supreme Court hearing today, rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde has called a meeting of the MLAs at Radisson Blu hotel in Guwahati at around 10 am, ANI reported.
'Doors Still Open,' Says Sena as SC Slated to Hear Rebels' Plea
Speaking to the media ahead of the hearing in the Supreme Court, Sanjay Raut slammed the rebel MLAs for betraying the party. He also said that the offer of the party to reconsider the MVA alliance if they return. Here are some key highlights of his address:
"The ones who betrayed the party, they have sold their souls, they are like the walking dead."
"They have the strength of 50 MLAs, so what are they waiting for in Guwahati? There are floods in Assam, why are they sitting there? They should return to Maharashtra."
"The central agencies have provided them with security, what are they scared of?"
"How can they join hands with people who joined hands with Mehbooba Mufti, who is pro-Pakistan?"
"We are still committed to that statement (reconsidering MVA alliance). After all, they are all our people. We have worked together for years. The Thackerays have treated them like family. In the past 2.5 years, we have seen COVID, we have seen Uddhav ji's illness, it is inhuman what the rebels are doing."
'In Opposition Only for 2-3 Days': Union Minister
Union Minister Raosaheb Danve in an address in Jalna on Monday took a jibe at the Shiv Sena and said that the BJP is in the Opposition only for the next 2-3 days.
"You have less time, get all the work done quickly. I am in the Opposition only for the next 2-3 days," he said.
Bench Presides to Hear Pleas By Rebel MLAs Begin in SC
The bench of Justices Surya Kant and JB Pardiwala has presided, the hearing of pleas by rebel MLAs will commence shortly.
PIL in Bombay HC Against Shinde, Rebel MLAs
A PIL has been filed against Eknath Shinde and other rebel Shiv Sena MLAs in Bombay High Court for "neglecting" their official duties and seeking directions to them to resume office, news agency ANI reported.
'How Can You Share Dais With Those Who Arrested Bal Thackeray?': Rebel Leader to Uddhav
In a video address shared by Eknath Shinde, rebel Shiv Sena leader and former MLA Subhash Sable asked: "How can you share the dais with somebody who jailed Balasaheb Thackeray?"
Sable was referring to Bal Thackeray's arrest in 2000 by the then Congress-NCP government.
Devendra Fadnavis Meets Senior BJP Leaders
Former Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis held a meeting with several senior BJP leaders, including Ashish Shelar, at his Mumbai residence.
'38 Sena MLAs Have Withdrawn Support to MVA': Shinde to SC
In the petition filed by Eknath Shinde in the Supreme Court, he said that his group has withdrawn support of the MVA government in the state.
"...It is common knowledge that the current government in the State of Maharashtra, led by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance has lost the majority in the house as 38 of the members of the Shiv Sena Legislature Party have withdrawn their support thus bringing it below the majority in the house. However, the MVA government continues to misuse the office of the Deputy Speaker to ensure that they remain in power by whatever means necessary," the petition said.
ED Issues Fresh Summons to Sanjay Raut
The Enforcement Directorate has issued fresh summons to Sena national spokesperson Sanjay Raut on 28 June in an ongoing case against him, reports said.
Eknath Shinde's Supporters Protest Outside His Residence
Supporters of Eknath Shinde protest outside his residence in Thane and burnt an effigy of Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut, ahead of the hearing in the Supreme Court.
The protests were led by his son and Lok Sabha MP Shrikant Shinde.
9 Rebel Minsiters Lose Portfolios
CM Uddhav Thackeray stripped nine rebel cabinet ministers of their portfolios, a day after he was authorised to take action against rebel leaders in the party's key executive meet.
Eknath Shinde's Public Works and Urban Development portfolios handed over to Subhash Desai
Uday Samant's Higher Education and Technical Education portfolio handed over to Aditya Thackeray
Dada Bhuse's Agriculture and Ex Servicemen Welfare portfolios handed over to Shankarrao Gadakh
Gulabrao Patil's Water Supply and Sanitation portfolios handed over to Anil Parab
The Sena now has four cabinet ministers, including CM Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, Anil Parab, and Subhash Desai. Barring Aaditya Thackeray, the rest three are MLCs.
'Come, Arrest Me': Sanjay Raut Challenges ED After Summons
Sena national spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut took to Twitter to react to the summons issued by the ED.
"I was just told that the ED has issued fresh summons to me. Nice! There are big developments in Maharashtra. We are all Bal Thackeray's Shiv Sainiks and are fighting against deceit. These tactics are being resorted to to stop us. I won't betray the party even if I'm beheaded. Come arrest me! @DevendraFadnavis," he said.
Shinde's Petition Mentions 'Threats' by Sanjay Raut
In the plea in Supreme Court, Eknath Shinde said:
"Mr Sanjay Raut threatened the Petitioners and the other members by stating that he would make it difficult for the MLAs who have left to return to Maharashtra and move around in the State of Maharashtra. The relevant part of interview given by Mr Sanjay Raut is extracted herein: 'Let all the MLAs come to the floor of the House. We will see then. These MLAs who have left... they will find it difficult to return and move around in Maharashtra.'"
SC Begins Hearing
A vacation bench of the Supreme Court began hearing the petition by Shinde against the party's move to disqualify him and 15 other rebel MLAs on Monday, 27 June.
Counsel for Rebel MLAs Begins Arguments
Senior Advocate Neeraj Kaul, appearing for 15 rebel MLAs, tells SC that the deputy Speaker cannot decide on the disqualification petition in light of SC judgment, Bar&Bench reported.
"The deputy speaker cannot proceed while there is no-confidence motion pending," he argued.
SC Takes a Break
The bench takes a 2-minute break, to resume hearing soon.
Hearing Resumes, Counsel Refers to Old SC Judgment
Counsel for rebel MLAs, Neeraj Kaul, read the judgment passed in the case of Nabam Rebia and Bamang Felix v Deputy Speaker Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly & Ors, Bar&Bench reported.
'Speaker Must Prove Govt Is in Majority': Rebels
Neeraj Kaul said Maharashtra deputy speaker must prove that the government is in majority. He also showed Article 179 of the Constitution which provides for removal of the Speaker and deputy Speaker.
"The Deputy Speaker has no authority to deal with the issue till the question of his removal is decided. What is sought to be done in this matter is undue haste, violation of principles of natural justice," Kaul said.
Abhishek Manu Singhvi Begins Arguments for Shiv Sena
Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the Shiv Sena, begins arguing, saying that the Sena is the "aggrieved party."
Singhvi mentions the 'Kihoto Hollohan' judgment.
'Does the Speaker Have the Right to Issue Disqualification Notices?' Bench Asks
Referring to Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Justice Surya Kant asked whether the deputy speaker has right to hear the disqualification petition under Tenth Schedule when there is a notice seeking his removal under Article 179 of the Constitution.
'Knew ED Is Going To Summon Me': Sanjay Raut
"I knew ED is going to summon me, I won't kneel down. No matter what the rebel MLAs do, I'll not go to Guwahati. I'm Balasaheb's Shiv Sainik and I'll stay with my party. I'll not appear before ED tomorrow. I will seek time from ED, but will definitely go," Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut was quoted as saying by reporters.
Earlier in the day, the ED had sent summons to Raut, asking him to appear before the central agency on 28 June.
'Raut Trying To Finish Off Sena at Pawar's Orders': Rebel MLA
Shiv Sena rebel MLA Deepak Kesarkar alleged that party MP Sanjay Raut is "trying to finish the party on the orders of Sharad Pawar." He added that the rebel MLAs will not be deterred.
SC Issues Notice on Shinde's Plea
The Supreme Court issued notice to the deputy speaker, the secretary of Maharashtra State Legislative Assembly, the Centre and others on pleas filed by rebel MLAs against the disqualification notice issued by the Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal against Eknath Shinde and 15 other rebel legislators.
The court also issued notice to Shiv Sena leaders Ajay Chaudhary and Sunil Prabhu, and asked them to file a reply within five days. The court listed the petition for hearing on 11 June.
"The counter affidavits if any be filed within 5 days. Rejoinder thereto be filed within 3 days thereafter," the bench said in its order.
Further, as an interim measure, time granted by the deputy speaker to the petitioners to submit their written submissions by 5:30 pm today has been extended till 5:30 pm on 11 July.
The court also refused to pass any interim order on the plea that there should not be any floor test in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly till 11 July.
'Since Modi Became PM, Democracy Trampled Upon in 8 States': KTR
Calling the political crisis in Maharashtra an abuse of the constitutional machinery, Telangana Minister KT Rama Rao said:
"Not just in Maharashtra, since Modi became PM, in about 8 different states they trampled upon democracy and they've dislodged and pulled out governments; Karnataka, MP, now Maharashtra and Goa before that."
'Confident of Winning': Aaditya Thackeray
"We are confident of winning. We have all love with us. Those who betray don't win. Those who run away don't win," says Maharashtra Minister and Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray.
"Those who ran away from here and are calling themselves rebels, if they wanted to rebel, they should've done it here. They should've resigned & contested election. The second floor test would be when they sit before me, look me in the eye and say what did we do wrong," he added, calling the political situation a "circus."
Now, Ajit Pawar COVID Positive After Meeting Uddhav
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar took to Twitter to share that he has tested positive for COVID-19. This comes merely days after Pawar met CM Uddhav Thackeray on Friday.
Thackeray had tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday.
'Best Wishes to Sanjay Raut': Eknath Shinde's Son on ED Summons
"My best wishes to Sanjay Raut on ED summon," Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, son of rebel leader Eknath Shinde, was quoted as saying by ANI.
Shiv Sena's Manipur Chief Stopped From Meeting Rebels in Guwahati
President of the Shiv Sena in Manipur M Tombi Singh, who attempted to meet the rebel legislators holed up at Radisson Blue in Guwahati, was not allowed to see them. Singh claimed that he had "some contacts with Mumbai" before coming to the hotel.
Though the entry to the hotel has been restricted since 22 June, when the MLAs reached Guwahati from Surat, a proper register is being maintained from Monday morning to note who is coming and who is going out.
The police have been asking the names of all before opening the gates. Their names and vehicle numbers have been written in the register. Even each hotel staff was asked about their identities before allowing to go inside.
"We are maintaining the register from today. We don't know why it has been started suddenly. We are doing what we have been told," a police official told PTI in front of the Radisson Blu hotel.
'Hisaab Toh Dena Padega': Kirit Somaiya to Sanjay Raut
"Dear Sanjay Raut, Your efforts to send my mother, my wife, my son Neil Somaiya and me to JAIL have miserably FAILED!!! Threaten us! Abuse us! But, Hisaab toh dena padega!" Kirit Somaiya tweeted.
Maha BJP Chief Meets LoP Devendra Fadnavis
Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrakant Patil and other BJP leaders reached the residence of Leader of Opposition (LoP) Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai, on Monday, reported ANI.
Shiv Sena Workers Vandalise MLA Vinod Agarwal's Office
Around 5-6 Shiv Sena workers, armed with lathis, vandalised the office of Gondia's Independent MLA Vinod Agrawal, in Gondia on Monday, reported ANI.
'I Will Not Be Scared by Bogus Cases': Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut termed the ED's summons issued to him a “conspiracy” to stop him from fighting their political opponents at the time of crisis, reported Indian Express.
“I am not linked with any of the companies mentioned by the ED. Tomorrow, I will not be able to go to ED as there is a rally in Alibaug which I have to address. It’s a legal battle. Arrest me if you have orders from BJP to arrest me,” Raut said.
He added, “We all were aware that such action would be initiated against some of us… to stop us from fighting back. I will not be scared by such bogus cases and will not go to Guwahati.”
Maharashtra BJP Core Committee Meeting Underway
Maharashtra BJP core committee meeting is underway at Devendra Fadnavis's residence - Sagar Bungalow - to discuss the present political situation in the state.
NCP Leader Chhagan Bhujbal Tests Positive for COVID-19
NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal has tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday. He tweeted that he is in good health and is undergoing medical treatment. He also cautioned those who have come in contact with him to be careful and get tested for the infection.
He tweeted, "My corona test is positive and I am in good health. I am undergoing medical treatment as per the doctor's advice and with your blessings, I will overcome COVID-19 and recover soon. People who have come in contact with me in the last few days should be careful and if any symptoms appear immediately get tested."
'Victory of Balasaheb's Hindutva': Shinde on SC Order
Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde termed Supreme Court’s notice to the Maharashtra Assembly Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal a “victory of Balasaheb’s Hindutva”, reported Indian Express.
The SC on Monday issued a notice to Zirwal, Secretary of Maharashtra State Legislative Assembly, and others on pleas by rebel Shiv Sena MLAs against the disqualification notice served on them.
Sanjay Raut Is NCP’s ‘Blue-eyed’ Boy, Says Kesarkar
Rebel Shiv Sena MLA Deepak Kesarkar said this is not a rebellion but a "fight for Shiv Sena's self-respect". He requested party chief Uddhav Thackeray to consider making a new alliance with BJP. He said, "BJP- Shiv Sena alliance is in line with the verdict given by the people of Maharashtra."
He added, "Sanjay Raut is NCP's blue-eyed boy. You may succeed in distancing Shiv Sena from BJP but if you are trying to distance Shiv Sena from Hindutva, how do you expect us to tolerate it?"
CM Uddhav Thackeray Was 'Ready to Resign'
According to a report by ANI, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray was ready to resign from his post on 22 June after it was clear that there was "no way out" of the political crisis in the State. However, sources told ANI that MVA allies convinced him to change his plans.
NCP leaders Dilip Walse Patil and Jayant Patil met with the CM on Monday and Nana Patole of Congress is also expected to meet him at Matoshree.
BJP Core Committee Meeting Concludes
BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar said that the BJP core committee meeting has concluded.
He said, "After SC's order, the state's political situation was assessed and discussed. Eknath Shinde said that his faction is original Shiv Sena - that too was discussed. We discussed what role should we assume in future in current scenario."
He added, "After discussion, it was decided that we'll wait and watch and a core team will come for a meeting once again, depending on the situation in the coming days. BJP will then take a decision in the interest of the people, in the interest of Maharashtra."
'Resign and Return Elected': Aaditya Thackeray Tells Rebel MLAs
Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray accused rebel MLAs of kidnapping and challenged them to resign and return if elected. He said, "Some people have been kidnapped and some have been bluffed by the rebel MLAs. I would like to tell these rebels that if they have the courage, then resign and come again elected."
The minister was visiting party MLAs at a hospital in Navi Mumbai, after they got injured in a clash with the supporters of the Eknath Shinde camp two days ago in Karjat, Raigad.
Aaditya Thackeray Addresses Shiv Sainiks in Mumbai
Maharashtra Minister Aaditya Thackeray addressed Shiv Sainiks in Byculla, Mumbai, saying that he is aware of their strength and anger, reported ANI.
He said, "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 that the dirt has gone out of Shiv Sena."
Aaditya said that when the Chief Minister was hospitalised, the rebel MLAs "sold themselves". He questioned, "I would like to ask them, is there no humanity left? We trusted them."
He said that the MVA government will continue and will come to power in Delhi too. "The power which has brought us here...we will come to power in Delhi too," he said.
'Our People Betrayed Us': Aaditya
Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray said in Byculla, Mumbai that many people warned him of Congress or the NCP betraying the party but added that "our people betrayed us".
He said, "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."
He added:
Additya added that the rebel MLAs have sold themselves for "lakhs and crores".