Maharashtra Live: Rebel MLAs Move Supreme Court Against Disqualification Notice
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As the stand-off between 'rebel' Shiv Sena MLAs led by state Cabinet Minister Eknath Shinde and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray continues, the future of the ruling Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance looks increasingly uncertain.
Meanwhile, the Sena rebel camp, led by Eknath Shinde, has moved the Supreme Court with an appeal against the disqualification notice.
The Shinde camp has also challenged appointment of Ajay Choudhari as the Shiv Sena Legislature Party leader and the rejection of no-confidence motion against Deputy Speaker Narahari Zirwal.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday called the rebel MLAs in Guwahati "living corpses" and said that "their souls are dead."
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray dared Shinde and other 'rebels' to contest elections and form a party in the name of their own fathers and not Balasaheb Thackeray.
"If you (rebel camp) have the courage, seek votes in the name of your fathers. Balasaheb’s name cannot be used by others. The Shiv Sena is like fire, do not put your feet in it, you will be scorched,” he said after the rebel MLAs named their faction of the party – Shiv Sena Balasaheb.
Sena workers vandalised homes and offices of several 'rebel' MLAs including Eknath Shinde's office in Thane
Protests were organised outside Shinde's office in support of the disgruntled MLA where effigies of Uddhav Thackeray were burnt by party cadre
NCP chief Sharad Pawar held a meeting with Uddhav Thackeray
The Assembly Secretariat on Saturday, 25 June, called upon Maharashtra Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni, seeking legal advice on the current political crisis
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said that rebel leader Eknath Shinde will support the BJP to form the government in the state
The Sena on Thursday, had said that the party will even consider the rebel group's demand of quitting the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance
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Eknath Shinde Calls a Meeting of 'Rebel' MLAs at 12 pm
As per sources, Eknath Shinde called a meeting of all 'rebel' MLAs currently camping at a hotel in Guwahati to discuss the future course of action as far as the stand-off within the Shiv Sena is concerned.
Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari Likely To Be Discharged From Hospital
Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari who was admitted to a hospital on 22 June after testing positive for COVID-19 is likely to be discharged today.
Bhagat Singh Koshyari Discharged From Hospital
Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari has been discharged from hospital after recovery from Covid-19.
'People Trust a Shiv Sena Led by Uddhav Thackeray': Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut took a dig at 'rebel' MLAs stating that people will only accept a Shiv Sena which is led by Uddhav Thackeray. "Those who have left the party should use the name of their fathers to seek vote," he said.
'For How Long Will You Hide in Guwahati?' – Raut Takes a Dig at Rebels
In an early morning tweet, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut took a dig at rebel MLAs saying they won't be able to hide in Guwahati for long and will eventually have to return to Mumbai.
'If You Have The Guts, Leave Shiv Sena and Contest Elections': Aditya Thackeray
Aaditya Thackeray in a statement to the media dared the 'rebel' MLAs to quit the Shiv Sena and face elections. "If you think what we have done is wrong, then resign and face elections. We are ready," he said.
Sharad Pawar Chairs MVA Meeting
NCP Supremo Sharad Pawar chaired a meeting of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government at his residence. The meeting was attended by Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat, Ashok Chavhan and Shiv Sena MP Anil Desai.
Shiv Sena Workers Continue Their Protests Against 'Rebels'
Several Shiv Sena workers took to the streets to protest against the 'rebel' MLAs who've joined the Eknath Shinde camp. While a 'joote maro andolan' was organised in Pune, many participated in a bike rally outside the office of party mouthpiece, Saamana.
Shiv Sena supporters during a bike rally in support of Chief Minister of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackeray, outside Shiv Sena Bhavan, Shivaji Park in Mumbai, Sunday, 26 June.
Centre Grants VIP Security To 15 Rebel MLAs: Reports
As per reports by The Indian Express and news agency ANI, the Centre has provided VIP security cover to 15 rebel MLAs.
Quoting sources, these reports claimed that this list does not include Eknath Shinde.
"Among those included are Ramesh Bornare, Mangesh Kudalkar, Sanjay Shirsat, Latabai Sonawane, Prakas Surve and 10 others. They said the MLAs have been granted Y plus security cover of the CRPF and the elected respresentatives will be protected both when mobile and at home," the reports mentioned.
Shiv Sena Holds Protest Against Eknath Shinde
Shiv Sena workers held a protest against rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde as well as other rebel MLAs in Nagpur on Sunday.
Security Hightened Outside Rebel MLA Mangesh Kundalkar's Residence
Security has been heightened outside the residence of rebel Shiv Sena MLA Mangesh Kundalkar. CRPF personnel have been deployed along with Mumbai Police.
Another Maharashtra Minister Joins Shinde Camp
As per sources, another minister from the Maha Vikas Aghadi government joined the Eknath Shinde camp in Guwahati. Uday Samant who held the portfolio of state's Minister of Higher and Technical Education went to Guwahati via Surat to join other rebel MLAs.
Rebels Are 'Traitors,' Says Aaditya Thackeray
Addressing a gathering of party workers in Mumbai's Santacruz, Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray called the disgruntled MLAs 'traitors' and said that they won't be taken back in the party.
"Shiv Sena's doors are open for those who want to leave and those who want to return to the party. Those rebel MLAs who are traitors will not be taken back into the party," he said.
‘Notice Served to 16 MLAs Till Now’: Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant
Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant said on Sunday, "Political turbulence is going on in Maharashtra, many MLAs defected and have gone to Assam. We have initiated the legal action against them and notice has been served to 16 MLAs till now."
He added, "There were several meetings that were called by Shiv Sena at different times, none of which were attended by them. Visiting BJP-ruled states, meeting BJP leaders, and attempting to topple government amounts to a violation by rebels."
Kamat also highlighted that the concept of 2/3 majority, needed to surpass the anti-defection law, apply only if there is a merger.
"Until the MLAs don't merge with another party, disqualification applies. Till today there's no merger, they have voluntarily given up membership," ANI quoted him as saying.
Rebel MLA Celebrates Birthday in Guwahati
Maharashtra's Bhandara MLA Narendra Bhondekar's birthday was celebrated at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati in the presence of rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and other MLAs.
‘Party’s Full Support With CM Thackeray’: NCP Chief Sharad Pawar
NCP chief Sharad Pawar, who is in Delhi for the nomination of presidential candidate Yashwant Sinha, told reporters, "Our party's full support is with CM Uddhav Thackeray...I have come to Delhi to join Yashwant Sinha for his nomination tomorrow."
Governor Koshyari Asks DGP To Provide Security to Rebel MLAs
Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari has written to the state Director General of Police (DGP) to provide security to the rebel MLAs and their families on an immediate basis.
Koshyari has also written to Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla requesting adequate provision of Central Security forces to be kept ready in case of requirement.
‘Just an Excuse’: Pawar on Rebel MLAs
NCP chief Sharad Pawar said that Eknath Shinde and other rebel MLAs want to form a new alliance but "NCP and Congress policy is clear to support the coalition government that we had formed," ANI reported.
Pawar added, "Eknath Shinde and other MLAs were there with the NCP in the government. They didn't have any problems in the last 2.5 years. Why does it happen today only? It's just an excuse...We will support CM Uddhav Thackeray till the last minute."
Sanjay Raut Calls Rebel MLAs 'Living Corpses'
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said on Sunday, "40 MLAs in Guwahati are living corpses, their souls are dead. Their bodies will be sent directly to the Assembly for post-mortem when they come back. They know what can happen in the fire that has been lit here."
'CM Didn't Hold a Meeting in 2.5 Years': Rebel MLA Bharatshet Gogawale
Rebel MLA Bharatshet Gogawale in video tweeted by Eknath Shinde claimed that CM Uddhav Thackeray didn't hold a meeting in the last 2.5 years with those Shiv Sena MLAs who lost Assembly polls in 2019.
He added, "On the contrary, state's Deputy CM gave funds to NCP candidates who lost 2019 Assembly elections".
‘No Major Incident of Disrutpion of Law and Order’: Home Minister’s Office
Maharashtra Home Minister's Office has said in a statement that "there is no major incident of disruption of law and order situation in the state."
The statement added, "Adequate security has been provided at the office, residence of all MLAs who have gone to Guwahati."
It further said, "Maharashtra Police is on alert and geared up to deal with any law and order issue which, (if at all ) arises. Prohibitory orders are in force in various parts of the state. Anybody trying to disrupt peace will be dealt with as per the law."
7 Shiv Sena Workers Arrested for Attacking Shinde’s Son’s Office
Thane's Ulhasnagar police arrested seven Shiv Sena workers in connection with the attack on Eknath Shinde's son's office, ANI reported.
‘Our Strength Will Be Increased to 51’: Rebel MLA Deepak Kesarkar
Rebel Shiv Sena MLA Deepak Kesarkar told ANI, "One to two more MLAs will come and join us. With their support and other independents, our strength will be increased to 51. We will arrive at a decision in 3-4 days and thereafter, we will directly go back to Maharashtra."
He also stated that "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."