Maharashtra Live | Shinde Camp Hints at Legal Route as 16 Face Disqualification
Catch all the live updates from the political crisis in Maharashtra here.
Maharashtra Political Crisis Live News Updates
(Photo: The Quint)
Maharashtra Political Crisis Live Updates: As the political stalemate in Maharashtra continues, the Shiv Sena, Maharashtra Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal issued disqualification notices to 16 rebel MLA's of the party, including Eknath Shinde. All 16 MLAs are expected to file replies by Monday, 27 June.
Meanwhile, rebel leader Deepak Kesarkar called the disqualification notices invalid, as the rebel group has 2/3rd majority and said that whips are to be issued for Assembly purposes and not for private meetings.
Kesarkar also said that the MLAs feel "unsafe" to return to the state in the wake of the attacks on offices of rebel leaders and urged CM Thackeray to maintain law and order.
The briefing came after the executive meet led by Uddhav Thackeray passed a resolution to stop the Eknath Shinde camp from using the party's or Balasaheb Thackeray's name.
The group led by Shinde decided to call itself 'Shiv Sena Balasaheb', Kesarkar had earlier announced.
Meanwhile, as several Shiv Sena workers attacked offices of rebel leaders in several parts of the state, the Mumbai police till 10 July imposed Section 144 of the CrPc in the city that prohibits the gathering of more than four people, hours after issuing a high alert.
The Thane District Administration had earlier banned political gatherings till 30 June and also imposed Section 144 of CrPC in Thane city.
Glimpses of the crisis:
Yuva Sena chief Aditya Thackeray leaves from Matoshree to attend a party meeting, in Mumbai, Saturday, June 25, 2022.
Police personnel outside the residence of Eknath Shinde in Thane, Saturday, June 25, 2022.
NCP President Sharad Pawar arrives to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, at Matoshree in Bandra, in Mumbai, Friday, June 24, 2022.
Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi interacts with media as she comes out of Sena Bhavan after a meeting, at Dadar, in Mumbai, Friday, June 24, 2022.
Member of Maharashtra Legislative Council Neelam Gorhe interacts with media outside Sena Bhavan after a meeting, at Dadar, in Mumbai, Friday, June 24, 2022.
Independent MLA Ravi Rana arrives to meet BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, in Mumbai, Friday, June 24, 2022.
Shiv Sena supporters gather outside Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackerays Matoshree residence, at Bandra in Mumbai, Friday, June 24, 2022.
NCP MLA Vidya Chavan with her supporters stages an agitation outside Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackerays residence, at Bandra in Mumbai, Friday, June 24, 2022.
The Shiv Sena's meeting of the party's national executive committee at Sena Bhavan was held on Saturday
While Paranda MLA Tanaji Sawant's office was attacked in Pune, party workers threw ink and vandalised posters of rebel MLA Sandipan Bhumre in Aurangabad
The Shiv Sena has sought the disqualification of 16 MLAs so far
Thackeray on Friday challenged the rebels to "run the party without the Thackeray name" while slamming the BJP for destabilising the government
The Shiv Sena on Friday said that the Eknath Shinde camp would not be able to stake claim to the party name and logo
Eknath Shinde currently has the support of at least 40 Shiv Sena MLAs and some more independents
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Sena To Issue Notices to 16 Rebel MLAs
The Shiv Sena has sent the names of four more rebel MLAs to the Maharashtra Assembly deputy speaker for initiating action of disqualification against them, a senior leader said.
The party will also issue notices to 16 MLAs of the rebel faction and ask them to respond by Monday, Sena MP Arvind Sawant said on Friday.
The four legislators whose names were forwarded to the deputy speaker were Sanjay Raymulkar, Chiman Patil, Ramesh Bornare and Balaji Kalyankar, he said.
“Despite issuing a letter to them, none of them attended party meeting on Wednesday evening here in Mumbai," Sawant said.
The party has already given names of 12 MLAs to the deputy speaker including leader of the rebel camp Eknath Shinde, seeking their disqualification.
BJP Wants To 'Finish Off' Shiv Sena: Uddhav
Taking dissident Shiv Sena MLAs head on, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray on Friday accused them of betrayal and challenged them to try and wean away common party workers as he slammed rebel leader Eknath Shinde and also tore into the BJP, saying it wants to "finish off" his outfit and does not want to share its Hindu votebank.
Thackeray, whose government is also supported by the Congress, dared Shinde and the BJP to try and take away the Shiv Sena cadre and those who vote for the party.
In a virtual address to party corporators, he said the common Shiv Sena workers were his "wealth", and as long as they were with him, he did not care about criticism by others.
The Shiv Sena has been "betrayed by its own people," he said, as his two-and-a-half-year old coalition government faced a crisis after a majority of Sena MLAs joined Shinde, who is camping in Guwahati.
'If You Have the Courage...': Uddhav Thackeray to Shinde
Some key highlights from Uddhav Thackeray's address to party workers on Friday:
"If you say that this is not Bal Thackeray's Sena anymore, it should have ended in 2012. The Sena came to power twice after that and he (Eknath Shinde) was made a minister both times. He was given big portfolios which usually are held by CMs."
"Some party MPs and MLAs said two days ago told me that they won't go even if they are mutilated and are in Assam today."
"Challenge you to separate the Thackeray name from the Shiv Sena and run it successfully. If you don't want to use my pictures, never mind. But I challenge you to run the Shiv Sena without using Bal Thackeray's name or picture."
"The BJP wants that Uddhav should be left alone and everybody else should join them. The BJP might be able to break the ones who have been elected, but I challenge you to break their electors."
"You have no right to claim that I backstabbed the party in any manner, this is my party. The same way I decided to enter the MVA, I am free to walk out of it."
"This is a plot to finish the Shiv Sena. The BJP does not understand that Bal Thackeray never stood for the division of Hindu votes, but you are committing that sin. You (rebels) backstabbed the Sena by creating a rift in it."
Eknath Shinde Writes to Uddhav Over 'Withdrawal of Security to MLAs' Families'
Rebel Shiv Sena MLA Eknath Shinde writes to CM Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra Home Minister, and DGP Maharashtra regarding "malicious withdrawal of security of family members of the 38 MLAs.
Taking to Twitter, Shinde said that it's the responsibility of the government to protect their families.
Political Gatherings Banned in Thane
Thane District Administration has issued an order banning any kind of political procession, gathering or sloganeering in the district till 30 June in the backdrop of the ongoing political instability in the state.
Thane Police has currently imposed Sec 144 CrPC in Thane city.
Rebel MLA Tanaji Sawant's Office Vandalised in Pune
Rebel Shiv Sena MLA Tanaji Sawant's office vandalised in Pune by supporters of Uddhav Thackeray.
Not Easy to Hijack Sena, Fadnavis Should Stay out Of It: Sanjay Raut
In an address to the media on Sturday, Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut said that it is not easy to hijack the Shiv Sena and warned BJP leader and former CM Devendra Fadnavis to "stay out of it."
Shiv Sena was been made with our blood and sweat. Many sacrificed themselves for it. Nobody can break it with money," he said.
"I would advise Devendra Fadnavis (BJP leader) to not get involved in this matter, and save whatever is left of his dignity," he added.
'Security Provided to You as MLAs, Can't Ensure the same for your Families': Sena
Responding to Shinde's letter to CM Uddhav Thackeray over withdrawal of security to the families of rebel MLAs, Sanjay Raut said: "You are an MLA, so security has been provided to you. Your family members can't be provided with the same."
Sharad Pawar Meets Legal Experts in Mumbai
NCP supremo Sharad Pawar holds a meeting with legal experts on the ongoing crisis in the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in the state.
Maharashtra Home Ministry Denies Withdrawing Security To Rebel MLAs' Families
Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil denies withdrawal of security to family members of rebel MLAs.
"No orders have been issued by the Chief Minister or the Home Ministry to withdraw security of any MLAs from the state. The claims being made on Twitter are false and misleading, as clarified by Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil," the Maharashtra Home Minister's office tweeted.
Eknath Shinde to Hold Meeting With Rebel MLAs
Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde will hold a meeting with rebel MLAs in Guwahati hotel, as party offices of several MLAs are vandalised in Maharashtra.
Protests in Maharashtra's Parbhani
Shiv Sena supporters protested against rebel MLAs in Maharashtra's Parbhani.
Rebel MLA's Poster Vandalised in Aurangabad
Supporters of Uddhav Thackeray threw ink and vandalised the poster of rebel MLA Sandipan Bhumre in Aurangabad.
Who is Footing hotel bills in Guwahati, Surat? Asks NCP
The NCP on Saturday sought to know who was paying the bills of hotels in Guwahati and Surat.
The Sharad Pawar-led party, which shares power with Sena and Congress in the state, also asked the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to find out the source of "black money" involved.
NCP's chief spokesperson Mahesh Tapase asked: "Who is paying the bills of hotels in Surat and Guwahati as well as the chartered flight? Is it true that the horse-trading rate is Rs 50 crore?"
"If ED and IT get activated, the source of the black money will be exposed," he added.
Rebel MLA Deepak Kesarkar to Address Media at 4 PM
Rebel Shiv Sena MLA Deepak Kesarkar will address the media at 4 PM in Guwahati.
'Rebels Won't Be Spared,' Says Pune Shiv Sena Chief
Shiv Sena Pune Chief Sanjay More backed the vandalism of rebel MLA Tanaji Sawant's office in the city.
"Our party workers vandalised Tanaji Sawant's office. All traitors and rebel MLAs who have troubled chief Uddhav Thackeray will face this action. Their offices will also be attacked. No one will be spared," he said, as quoted by ANI.
Union Minister Athawale Meets Fadnavis
Union Minister and Republican Party of India president Ramdas Athawale met Devendra Fadnavis along with other BJP leaders in Mumbai amid the ongoing political crisis in the state.
Congress to Deliberate Over Maharashtra Crisis
Maharashtra Congress called a meeting at the residence of party leader and minister Balasaheb Thorat over the current political situation of the state.
BJP MP Demands President's Rule in Maharashtra
BJP MP Navneet Rana, who made headlines over wanting to chant Hanuman Chalisa outside Uddhav Thackeray's residence last month, took to social media to demand President's rule in the state.
"I request Amit Shah to provide security to families of MLAs who are leaving Uddhav Thackeray so that they can freely decide and sta connected with Balasaheb's ideology," she said.
Mumbai Police Issues High Alert
Mumbai Police issues a high alert and asks all police stations to ensure security at all political offices in the city.
"It has been directed that officer-level Police personnel shall visit every political office to ensure their safety," the Mumbai police said in a statement.
Pune Police Issues High Alert
After the vandalism of Tanaji Sawant's office, the Pune Police has issued an alert and asked all police stations to ensure security at offices related to Shiv Sena leaders in the city, the Pune Police PRO said in a statement.
Aditya Thackeray, Senior Shiv Sena Leaders Reach Sena Bhavan
Several senior Sena leaders including Aditya Thackeray and Rajya Sabha MP Anil Desai arrived at the Sena Bhavan in Mumbai ahead of a meet of the national party leaders.
"Uddhav ji Thackeray will conduct the meeting of national leaders shortly. We have initiated acton against 16 rebel MLAs and the processes are underway," Desai said.
'Will Resort to Tit-For-Tat': MLA Whose Office Was Attacked
Rebel MLA Tanaji Sawant, whose office was vandalised by Shiv Sena workers in Pune, took to Facebook to say that the rebels are silent on the orders of Eknath Shinde but won't be quiet once the political crisis is resolved.
"We are patient as per the orders of Eknathji Shinde Saheb. Once this political question is resolved, it will be answered in the future. My humble request is that everyone should stay within their limits," he said in a Facebook post.
Eknath Shinde Camp Gets News Name
The group led by rebel leader Eknath Shinde has decided to call itself 'Shiv Sena Balasaheb', news agency ANI reported quoting rebel leader Deepak Kesarkar.
Assam Units of NCP, Shiv Sena Stage Protests
The Assam units of the NCP and the Shiv Sena protested outside the Radisson Blu hotel in Guwahati where rebel MLAs are staying.
Govt Not in Minority: Congress
Maharashtra Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat addressed the media after a perty meeting on Saturday.
We discussed the current situation. The MVA government will continue to work. We are not in minority," he said.
Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray Joins Party Meeting
Maharashtra CM and Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray joined the party meeting at the Sena Bhavan in Mumbai.
'Need Authorisation From Speaker': Congress on Shinde Camp's New Name
Commenting on the Eknath Shinde Camp's new name, Congress leader Ashok Chavan said that it has to be authorised by the Maharashtra speaker.
"Until it gets legal authorisation from the Speaker, such type of groups will not be authorised," he said.
Tight Security Outside Eknath Shinde's Residence
Police personnel outside the residence of Eknath Shinde in Thane, Saturday, June 25, 2022.
Curfew Imposed in Mumbai
Mumbai Police imposes Section 144 CrPC in Mumbai city in the wake of attacks on offices of rebel MLAs in several parts of the state.
Want to See Him Become CM: Eknath Shinde's Native Village
The residents of Dare village in Maharashtra's Satara district, the native place of Eknath Shinde, who is at the centre of the ongoing political turmoil in Maharashtra, recall the Shiv Sena leader as a "people's man" and some of them feel that the decisions he had taken in the past later turned out to be right.
"We are standing strong with Shinde saheb. There is no other person like him. He reaches every household and helps the poor and needy. Our best wishes are always with him," said Rupesh Shinde.
He said the leader often visits his native place and the last time he was in the village was a month ago.
Ganesh Utekar, a Shiv Sena functionary from Mahabaleshwar tehsil and a resident of Dare village, "It has been our experience that whatever decisions Shinde saheb has taken so far, all of them turned out to be right." "The work and contribution made by Shinde saheb make us express our love and gratitude towards him. The decision taken by Shinde saheb is appropriate and as a village, we are with him," he said.
Another villager, Sampat Shinde, told a regional channel that Shinde has been helping the people for the last 35-40 years.
"In good times or bad times, he is with people and reaches out to help them and resolve the problems of the poor and needy," he said.
MVA Govt in Minority, Have Sympathy for Shinde: Athawale
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said the MVA government in Maharashtra no longer enjoyed majority in the legislature as over two-third MLAs of the Shiv Sena were with rebel leader Eknath Shinde.
He was speaking to reporters here after meeting former chief minister and Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis.
"Shiv Sena rebel Eknath Shinde has support of more than two-third MLAs, thus reducing the MVA government to a minority. Fadnavis told me the BJP has no role to play in this development. The BJP has neither initiated this rebellion nor supported it, he told me. The BJP will wait and watch," the Union minister of state of social justice and empowerment said.
He also said Sena workers must not threaten the rebel MLAs, adding that "if the Sena party workers indulge in dadagiri, then we are capable of reacting to it in the same way".
'How Can I Remove Guests From a Hotel?':Assam CM
Reacting to the criticism over harbouring rebel Sena MLAs in the state amid the flood crisis, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said that he had no right to remove any guests from anywhere in the state.
"It's the responsibility of the state to provide security to anybody whho comes to the state. Even if Congress comes, I will extend the same welcome. I am grateful Shiv Sena came, its the reason Assam's flood were highlighted nationally," he said.
Shiv Sena Workers Protest Outside Kharghar
Shiv Sena workers protested against rebel MLAs of the party and burnt effigies outside the party office in Kharghar.
Eknath Shinde's Son's Office Attacked in Thane
The office of Shrikant Shinde, son of rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, was attacked by Shiv Sena workers in Thane's Ulhasnagar. Shrikant is a Lok Sabha MP from Kalyan constituency.
Shiv Sena Executive Meet Passes Several Resolutions
Several resolutions in the wake of the ongoing crisis have been passed in the Shiv Sena executive meet held at Mumbai's Sena Bhavan:
Uddhav Thackeray has been authorised to take all decisions regarding the party
No other group should be allowed to use the names Shiv Sena or Bal Thackeray
Thackeray is authorised to take appropriate action against rebel MLAs
Dy Speaker Issues Disqualification Notices to 16 Sena Rebels
Maharashtra Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal issued disqualification notices to 16 rebel MLA's of the party, including Eknath Shinde.
All 16 MLAs are expected to file replies by Monday, 27 June.
Protests in Buldana in Support of Eknath Shinde
Rebel leader Eknath Shinde took to Twitter to share visuals of his supporters from Buldana, demanding that the Shiv Sena break the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance.
'Will Take Legal Action Against Those Using Balasaheb's Name': Raut
Soon after the Shiv Sena executive meet concluded, national spokesperson Sanjay Raut said that legal action will be taken against the rebels who are using Balasaheb's name for political gains.
"We will take legal action against those who have used Balasaheb Thackeray's name for their self-centred politics. Those who have left can't use our patriarch's name," Raut said.
"CM Uddhav Thackeray has said that the leaders who have left Shiv Sena should not ask for votes in the name of Shiv Sena and Balasaheb Thackeray. Ask for votes in the name of your father. Mahavikas Aghadi is united," he said.
'Don't Feel Safe Returning to Maharashtra': Shinde Camp
Eknath Shinde camp leader Deepak Kesarkar addressed the media. Here are the key highlights of his briefing:
"We had requested Uddhav ji multiple times that most Sena MLAs want the party to reunite with the BJP. When so many people ask for something, there has to be substance to it."
"We have not left the Shiv Sena and we won't, this is something I would like to clarify."
"2/3rd majority is a constitutional requirement. We will challenge the Speaker's decision to not accept Eknath Shinde as the Legislative Party Leader."
"We have not formed a party with a new name. We wanted to call the group something and we are not different from the Shiv Sena. So we decided use Balasaheb's name for our group."
"They are trying to scare us citing whips that we did not heed to. But whips are for Assembly purposes and voting in the Assembly, not for party meetings.
"The language to ask people to take to streets is condemnable. I appeal to Shiv Sainiks that what you are being told is far from reality. We are here to further Bal Thackeray's agenda."
"We cannot be disqualified since we have 2/3rd majority"
"If the Election Commission says that we cannot use Bal Thackeray's name, we will abide by it."
"Shiv Sena was hijacked by Congress and the NCP who tried to destroy the party."
"You cannot call us to Maharashtra and then threaten us and our families by calling for people to take to the streets."
"Don't feel safe returning to Maharashtra, you can see how our offices are being vandalised."
'Battle Between Truth and Deceit': Aditya Thackeray
While leaving the Sena Bhavan after the party's executive meet, Aditya Thackeray told the media that the battle with the rebels is of "truth and deceit."
Legislature Secretary Asks Rebels to Reply to Sena’s Disqualification Plea
The Maharashtra legislature secretariat on Saturday issued `summons' to 16 rebel Shiv Sena MLAs, including senior minister Eknath Shinde, seeking written replies to the complaints seeking their disqualification by the evening of 27 June.
The summons issued by Sena's chief whip, Sunil Prabhu on Saturday said that he had submitted a letter to deputy speaker of the Assembly Narhari Zirwal seeking their disqualification under The Members of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on ground of Defection) Rules, 1986.
“In your defence of the summons, you need to submit your written response before 5.30 pm on June 27 (Monday) supported by all the necessary documents. If the written response to the summons is not submitted in given period, it would be considered as you have no say over it. The office will initiate necessary action based on the complaint filed by Prabhu against you,” the letter said.
'Rebels Will Lose Their Posts in 24 Hours': Raut
Speaking to a Marathi channel, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut claimed that the rebel ministers and Eknath Shinde will lose their posts "in 24 hours".
He added, "the process of their removal is on”, saying that “Ministers like Gulabrao Patil, Dada Bhuse, Sandipan Bhumre were considered to be loyal Shiv Sena workers who were made cabinet ministers by Uddhav Thackeray....the party has given them enough. They have taken the wrong path and will lose their posts in 24 hours,” The Indian Express quoted.
'Traditionally Rivals of NCP & Congress': Rebel MLA
"We are traditionally the rivals of NCP and Congress, they are our primary challengers in constituencies. We requested CM Uddhav Thackeray that natural alliance should be done" said Shiv Sena rebel MLA Chimanrao Patil in a video message posted by rebel leader Eknath Shinde.
He added, "As there was no response from CM, our leader Eknath Shinde took stand because every Shiv Sena worker wants natural alliance."