Maharashtra Live: 'Not Scared,' Says Shinde as Sena Seeks His Disqualification
As the Maharashtra political crisis continues, few more MLAs joined the Eknath Shinde camp. Catch live updates here.
Maharashtra Political Crisis Live News Updates:
(Photo: The Quint)
Maharashtra Political Crisis Live Updates: Amid an impasse of the Shiv Sena central leadership with its rebel MLAs, a Sena delegation met with the the Deputy Assembly Speaker, Narhari Zirwal, and sought to disqualify 12 MLAs, including rebel leader Eknath Shinde on Thursday, 23 June.
Shinde took to Twitter to say, "You cannot scare us by giving the names of 12 MLAs for disqualification because we are followers of the Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray. We know the law, so we do not pay heed to threats."
He added in Marathi, "We know your ways and the law too! According to Schedule 10 of the Constitution, the whip is used for assembly work, not for meetings."
Earlier, Nationalist Congress Chief (NCP) Sharad Pawar slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra and Assam for helping the rebel MLAs. Pawar also downplayed the Sena's hint of 'considering to quit MVA if rebels return.'
Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut had earlier said that that the party will consider quitting the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and gave the rebel MLAs 24 hours to return to Mumbai and state their demands directly before party chief and CM Uddhav Thackeray.
Some glimpses of the turmoil through the day:
NCP chief Sharad Pawar along with Maharashtra Minister Jayant Patil at a press briefing after a party meeting, at Yashwantrao Chavan Centre in Mumbai.
Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde plays chess at a hotel where he is staying with supporting MLAs, in Guwahati.
Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde interacts with supporting MLAs at a hotel in Guwahati.
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut and MLAs Kalpesh Patil and Nitin Deshmukh interact with the media after the MLAs returned from rebel party leader Eknath Shindes camp in Guwahati, in Mumbai.
NCP MLA Ajit Pawar arrives for a party meeting, at Yashwantrao Chavan Centre in Mumbai.
NCP MLA Chhagan Bhujbal arrives for a party meeting, at Yashwantrao Chavan Centre in Mumbai.
Police personnel detain NSUI activists as they protest against rebel Maharashtra MLAs led by Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, in Guwahati.
Supporters of rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde outside the party office, at Hanuman Nagar in Thane.
Scenes from outside Matoshree on Wednesday night:
Rebel MLA Sanjay Shirsat penned a scathing letter to CM Uddhav Thackeray, alleging that he never met his own people but only coddled allies
The 3-page letter, tweeted by rebel leader Eknath Shinde who called it the 'voice of all MLAs', also alleged humiliation by the 'middlemen' surrounding Thackeray
Narhari Zirwal, acting speaker of the Maharashtra state assembly accepted Shiv Sena MLA Ajay Chaudhari as the new Legislative Party Leader while rejecting the proposal by rebel MLAs for Ekanth Shinde to continue on the post
NCP chief Sharad Pawar told party leaders to stand by CM Uddhav Thackeray and ensure that the alliance stays in power
Former Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis left for Delhi , reportedly to discuss the BJP's future strategy with the party's central leadership
Thackeray on Wednesday night vacated his official residence 'Varsha' and moved to his family home 'Matoshree', hours after offering to quit the top post
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BJP Not Staking Claim To Form Government in Maharashtra: Union Minister
Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Union Minister Raosaheb Patil Danve said on Wednesday that the political crisis in Maharashtra was Shiv Sena's internal matter and the BJP was not staking a claim to form a government in the state.
Danve, who met party leader Devendra Fadnavis, told the media in Mumbai that no Shiv Sena MLA was in touch with the party.
"We haven't spoken to Eknath Shinde. This is Shiv Sena's internal matter. BJP has nothing to do with this. We're not staking claim to form the government," Danve, who is Minister of State for Railways, said.
'Kamal Nath Sent to Maharashtra, Couldn't Save His Own Govt': Shivraj Chouhan
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan on Wednesday mocked his predecessor, Kamal Nath, over his visit to the state of Maharashtra as the ruling coalition works to deal with the rebellion by Shiv Sena minister Eknath Shinde.
On stage, at an event, the BJP leader spoke about the fall of the Kamal Nath government two years ago.
"He has left for Maharashtra… Why has he been sent to the state? ‘Save the government’," Chouhan told the crowd.
"The one who could not save his own government… How will he save the Maharashtra government? Can Congress do any good for you? The party is counting its last breaths and its top leader (Rahul Gandhi) is busy with visits to the Enforcement Directorate offices," Chouhan added.
Maharashtra Political Crisis Live: 3 More Sena Rebel MLAs Reach Guwahati
Three more Shiv Sena's rebel MLAs reached Radisson Blu Hotel on Thursday morning in Guwahati amid the political instability in the ruling MVA government.
Deepak Kesakar (MLA from Sawantwadi), Mangesh Kudalkar (Chembur), and Sada Sarvankar (Dadar) took a morning flight from Mumbai to Guwahati, a close associate of Shinde said.
On Wednesday evening, four MLAs, including Maharashtra minister Gulabrao Patil, had flown to Guwahati.
Shinde will consult the MLAs with him and then decide when to return to Mumbai, his associate added.
'BJP Has Gone Blind for Power': Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi
Speaking on the political crisis, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi stated that "if there's a crisis, it's that of floods."
Attacking the BJP, he added, "BJP has gone blind for power. There are floods in Assam, PM should visit the state, announce special package but he's busy toppling the Maharashtra government, or in Gujarat elections...Only power is everything for BJP," ANI reported.
Maharashtra Political Crisis Live | 'In Touch With At Least 20 MLAs': Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena national spokesperson Sanjay Raut told the media that the party is in touch with at least 20 MLAs.
"Our party is strong. About 20 MLAs are in touch with us. The picture will get clear once they come to Mumbai as to under what pressure they have left.
He further said that the MLAs have left under the pressure of the Enforcement Directorate's pressure.
"He who leaves the party under ED pressure is not a true Balasaheb Bhakt. We too face pressure from the ED but we continue to stand with Uddhav Thackeray," he added.
Security Beefed Up Outside Assam Hotel
Security personnel keep vigil outside the hotel in Guwahati where rebel Shiv Sena MLAs are staying.
Rebele MLAs Meet Shiv Sena Leader in Guwahati
Rebel Maharashtra MLAs camping at Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati met former MoS Home and Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar.
Assam Minister Visits Guwahati Hotel
Assam Minister Ashok Singhal reaches Guwahati hotel where rebel Shiv Sena MLAs are staying.
TMC Workers Protest Outside Guwahati Hotel
Workers of the Assam unit of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) protested outside the Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati where rebel Maharashtra MLAs are staying.
The protests were led by state president Ripun Bora.
Maharashtra Political Crisis Live: Nagpur MP Denies Joining Rebel Camp
In the wake of the Shiv Sena-led Maharashtra government facing a crisis, party MP Krupal Tumane denied reports of joining the rebel faction led by Eknath Shinde, and asserted that he was with the Sena.
Tumane, the Lok Sabha member from Ramtek in Nagpur, said "patience is the need of the hour".
"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," Tumane said in a statement on Thursday.
TMC Protesters Detained From Outside Guwahati Hotel
The police has detained workers of the Assam unit of the TMC who were protesting outside the Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati where rebel Maharashtra MLAs are staying.
(Photo: The Quint)
(Photo: The Quint)
(Photo: The Quint)
Sharad Pawar Meets NCP Leaders in Mumbai
NCP leaders arrive at the Mumbai residence of party supremo Sharad Pawar amid the ongoing political crisis in Maharashtra.
No MLAs' Meet Today, Says Raut As Senior Leaders Meet Uddhav
Several Shiv Sena leaders reach Matoshree to meet CM Uddhav Thackeray amid the political crisis.
"The chief minister will not hold any meeting today, some MLAs are going to Varsha Bungalow for official work," Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said.
'Pawar Asked Us to Stand With Uddhav, MVA': NCP's Jayant Patil
After a meeting with party supremo Sharad Pawar over the ongoing crisis in the state, NCP leader Jayant Patil said that the party stands with Uddhav Thackeray and will do everything to stay in the government.
Speaking to the media, Patil said: "Pawar saheb told us that we should do everything that needs to be done to ensure that the government stays in power. We will stand with Uddhav Thackeray and with this government."
While Pawar will meet all NCP MLAs at 5pm in Mumbai, Patil said that the crisis has not yet reached the "floor-test stage."
Speaking on possibility Thackeray stepping down Patil said: "Chief Ministerial post has been given to the Shiv Sena. It is their internal decision who they want to give it to."
Senior BJP Leaders Meet Devendra Fadnavis
Several senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders beelined at former CM Devendra Fadnavis' residence in Mumbai amid the ongoing political crisis in the state.
'Humiliated Us': Shinde Tweets Scathing Letter to Uddhav
Rebel MLA Sanjay Shirsat penned a scathing letter to CM Uddhav Thackeray, alleging that he never met his own people but coddled allies.
The 3-page letter, tweeted by rebel leader Eknath Shinde, who called it the 'voice of all MLAs', also alleged humiliation by the 'middlemen' surrounding Thackeray.
Acting Speaker Snubs Shinde, Accepts Thackeray Camp MLA as Legislative Party Leader
Maharashtra Legislative Assembly's Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal on Thursday said he has approved the appointment of Ajay Choudhary as the Shiv Sena's group leader in the House, replacing rebel legislator Eknath Shinde.
The Shiv Sena on Tuesday had removed Shinde as the party's group leader in the Assembly, hours after he revolted.
Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, Zirwal said, "I have received a letter from the Shiv Sena, informing me that it is appointing Ajay Choudhary as the party's leader in the Assembly and removing Shinde from the post with immediate effect." "I have accepted the letter, which was sent by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray,” the deputy speaker said, adding that Shinde's removal as the Sena group leader in the Assembly was valid.
Notably, Shinde had on Wednesday given a letter to the Assembly's deputy speaker, signed by 35 Sena MLAs, replacing Sunil Prabhu with Bharat Gogavale as the chief whip of the Shiv Sena legislature party Asked about Shinde's letter, Zirwal said, “The Independents have no role in such party affairs. One (Shiv Sena) MLA, Nitin Deshmukh (who had accompanied rebel leader to Surat), has claimed that he has not signed the letter issued by Shinde. I will study it, seek the advice of legal experts and then decide (on it).” Deshmukh on Wednesday claimed that some people had forcibly admitted him to a hospital in Surat and he was administered injections though he never suffered a heart attack.
Eknath Shinde Camp Has 42 MLAs
The Eknath Shinde camp has 42 MLAs - 35 from the Shiv Sena and 7 independents.
Meanwhile, several reports claimed that only 12-13 MLAs were present in the meeting called by Uddhav Thackeray earlier on Thursday.
'At Least 18 MLAs in Touch With Shiv Sena': Shiv Sena MP
Shiv Sena MP Vinayak Raut told news agency ANI that at least 18 MLAs in Guwahati have contacted Shiv Sena leaders in Mumbai.
"Several of those will return soon," he said.
Another MLA Claims to Have Been Taken to Surat Forcefully
Shiv Sena MLA Kailash Patil said that he was forcibly taken to Surat.
"I walked a kilometre to run away from there. We will not ditch Shiv Sena which has made us MLAs," he told news agency ANI.
'Will Consider Opting Out of MVA, But Return to Mumbai': Sanjay Raut
Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut said that the party will consider opting out of the MVA, given the rebel MLAs return to Mumbai within 24 hours and state their demands directly.
"All those MLAs who want the Shiv Sena to opt out of the MVA must return to Mumbai and say so directly. But first show the guts to return to the state and not shoot letters from there," Sanjay Raut said.
Giving a 24-hour ultimatum, Raut said that their demands will be considered but they must return to Mumbai first.
'Will Uddhav Accept Secondary Role in BJP?': Cong on Sena 'Quitting' MVA
Speaking to ABP Majha, Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan said that he will be surprised if "Uddhav Thackeray will take a U-turn under pressure."
His statement came after the Shiv Sena said that it might consider quitting MVA if the rebels return within 24 hours.
"Uddhav ji didn't indicate any such possibility yesterday. So, it needs to be asked if the Sena is taking this stand under pressure. Will he take a secondary role by joining hands with the BJP?" he asked
"I don't think Uddhav will take a U-turn like this under pressure. This is their internal matter and they are free to take a decision. I will be surprised if he takes a u-turn like that," he said.
'Situation is Difficult:' NCP on Sena's 'Might Quit MVA' Stand
NCP leader Praful Patel, while speaking to the media said that the circumstances surrounding the state government are difficult.
"It is true that the situation is tough. We will assess the matters in a meeting that is scheduled to take place in the evening," he said.
Sena Felicitates Two 'Abducted' MLAs Who Returned
Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi and other party leaders felicitated two MLAs Kailash Patil and Nitin Deshmukh who returned from Guwahati. The two had claimed to have been abducted and taken to Surat forcefully by the Eknath Shinde camp.
Congress to Meet at 4 PM
Congress calls a meeting of its leaders at 4pm after the Shiv Sena's hint of quitting the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance in the state.
'We Are With the MVA & Will Remain': Maha Cong Chief Nana Patole
Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole said that the party is in alliance with the Sena to stop BJP from coming to power.
"We're with the Shiv Sena to stop BJP from coming to power. This game is happening due to ED...Congress is ready for Floor test. We're with MVA and will remain. If they (Shiv Sena) want to form an alliance with anyone, we don't have a problem," he told news agency ANI.
Shinde, Rebel MLAs Hold Meet
Eknath Shinde and rebel MLAs conduct meeting after Shiv Sena hints at considering quitting MVA, say reports.
'Stand Firmly With Uddhav Thackeray': NCP
NCP leader Jayant Patil expressed his support for the Uddhav Thackeray government and tweeted, "MVA is a government established for the development and welfare of Maharashtra. We stand firmly with Uddhavji Thackeray. I am sure that no true Shiv Sainik will behave in a way that will defy the ideology of late Balasaheb Thackeray."
On Sena mulling over leaving the MVA, he added, "They may have thought of something and said it. We will speak to them. They have not said anything to us directly. We won't comment on it yet," ANI quoted.
NCP MLAs to Hold Meeting Amid Crisis, Pawar Expected to Attend
NCP leader Praful Patel reached YB Chavan Centre for a meeting of party MLAs amid the impasse.
Party chief Sharad Pawar will also attend the meeting, reported ANI.
'Centre Fully Responsible for Destabilising Maha Govt': Kharge
"BJP and Centre are fully responsible for destabilising a stable government in Maharashtra to form their own government in the state. They're also doing this for Presidential polls. I want to say that we all (Congress, NCP, Shiv Sena) will strengthen Maha Vikas Aghadi," ANI quoted Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge as saying.
Meeting of NCP MLAs to Commence Shortly
NCP MLAs arrive at Mumbai's YB Chavan Centre for a meeting called by party chief Sharad Pawar.
Meghalaya CM Sangma Reaches Assam Hotel Where Sena MLAs are Staying
Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma reaches Radisson Blu hotel Guwahati where Shiv Sena MLAs are staying.
Congress Leaders Meet Amid Political Turmoil
Senior Maharashtra Congress leaders, including Prithviraj Chavan, HK Patil, and Nana Patole conduct a meeting over the political crisis in the state.
Mamata Banerjee Demands 'Justice for Uddhav'
Commenting on the current situation in Maharashtra, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee slammed the BJP and demanded "justice for Uddhav Thackeray."
"You (BJP) are in power today, and using money, muscle, and mafia power. But one day, you have to go. Someone can break your party too. This is wrong and I don’t support it," she said, as quoted by ANI.
Maharashtra Congress Chief Blames Ajit Pawar Amid Crisis
Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole blamed Ajit Pawar for brewing dissatisfaction in Sena and Congress MLAs.
'Shinde Didn't Force Anyone, Kailash Patil is Lying': Rebel Tanaji Sawant
"MLA Kailash Patil is trying to gain sympathy of 'Matoshree' (Sena and Uddhav Thackeray) by fabricating stories. He is lying in front of the media. We had arranged for him to return to Mumbai from Surat. Eknath Shinde did not force any MLA to join him," rebel Shiv Sena MLA Tanaji Sawant said, ANI quoted.
'Doors for Discussions Open, Decide With Your Self Respect Intact': Sanjay Raut to Rebels
In a tweet aimed at Shinde and rebels, Sena spokesperson Sanjay Rawat asserted that doors for discussions were still open.
"The doors are still open for talks. Discussions can lead the way. Rather than accepting slavery, take a decision while guarding your self respect," Raut wrote in Marathi.
Amid Crisis, What Maharashtra Governor Can Do
The Governor has to act on the aid and advice of the council of ministers if the chief minister continues to enjoy majority, but can exercise discretionary powers in ordering floor test, dissolution of house or exploring possibilities for government formation if he has doubts over the majority of the ruling dispensation, according to legal experts.
Senior lawyer and constitutional law expert Rakesh Dwivedi and senior advocate and SCBA president Vikas Singh were of the view that the Governor has some discretionary powers if he has reasonable belief that the government does not enjoy the majority support in the Assembly and in that situation, he is not bound by the aid and advice of the council of ministers and may ask the chief minister to take up the floor test.
Another senior lawyer Ajit Kumar Sinha said a floor test is the main test to ascertain as to who has the majority support.
Referring to the ongoing crisis in Maharashtra, Vikas Singh, however, said that in the current situation Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari would be bound by the aid and advice of the council of ministers as presently, “this is purely an internal party squabbling and it has nothing to do with the Governor”.
“This is not the case where he (Thackeray) has lost the majority. This is the case where his leadership is under challenge inside his own party... Unless the three constituents elect another leader of the MVA, he (Uddav Thackeray) continues to remain the leader. Internal differences do not change the leadership of the government. The Governor will be bound by the advice of the council of ministers,” Singh said.
“Unless, these 36 (rebel) MLAs write to the Governor saying that we withdraw the support only then the Governor will have some role...,” Singh added.
Former Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis En Route to Delhi
Amid the turmoil in Shiv Sena, former Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis left for Delhi , reportedly to discuss the BJP's future strategy with the party's central leadership.
'Stand With MVA,' Say Congress Leaders After Party Meet
Addressing the media after a meeting of senior state leaders, the Congress said that it has decided to stand with the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance despite the crisis in the Shiv Sena.
"BJP is trying to destabilise the government and split the Shiv Sena. The Maha Vikas Aghadi government will continue and will complete five years. The Congress stands with the MVA," Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole said.
"Maha Vikas Aghadi was constituted on a common minimum program to stop the BJP from coming to power in 2019. The Congress will support the Maha Vikas Aghadi government," Maharashtra Congress leader Ashok Chavan.
'Did Not Discriminate in Allocating Funds': Ajit Pawar on Cong's Claims
Maharashtra deputy CM and NCP leader Ajit Pawar on Thursday responded to allegations of the Congress of discriminating against MLAs of allied parties while allocating funds.
"Some allies are making statements that Ajit Pawar discriminated distribution of funds. I want to say that there were no such issues. I have never looked at anybody differently. I helped everybody equally and tried to solve their problems. If they (Congress) had raised this issue in front of all senior leaders of the NCP, the Congress and the Shiv Sena, it would have been better," he said.
"This government was formed with the help of 170 MLAs. Everybody was told to work under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray. No parties interfered in each other's matters. If a particular party's MLA faced minor issues because there were different parties involved, that was solved. But no MLA faced discrimination because of what party they belong to," he said.
'Will Speak to Uddhav': Dy CM Ajit Pawar on Hints of Sena Quitting MVA
Asked about the Shiv Sena's comments on considering quitting the MVA once the rebels return to Mumbai, deputy CM Ajit Pawar said: "The responsibility to save the MVA is of all the thres parties. They know best why they said that, we don't want to comment. We need to come together and solve this problem, is what's my personal opinion," he said.
"What stand the party leaders wants to take is the Shiv Sena's look out. But, I will speak to CM Uddhav Thackeray about it, I don't think he feels the same. Certain statements need to be made to pacify rebels. If they have said some things keeping that in mind, we don't want to comment," he added.
'National Party Has Backed Us': Eknath Shinde Heard Saying in Video
In a clip shared by news agency ANI, Eknath Shinde can be heard saying that the camp has the backing of a "national party."
Shiv Sena rebel MLAs can be seen raising hands to say that all have "unanimously chosen Eknath Shinde as their leader."
"We share the same joys and sorrows now," Shinde can be heard telling the MLAs.
Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Leaves for Guwahati
Maharashtra Agriculutre Minister Dada Bhuse also left for Guwahati to join the Eknath Shinde faction, reports said.
Sharad Pawar Downplays Sena's Hint of 'Quitting MVA', Slams BJP
In an address to the media, NCP chief said:
Floor test will decide if the government has fallen or not.
I have seen such situations many times. We will prove majority in the floor test.
Sanjay Raut has merely said that rebels must place demands before the chief after coming to Mumbai.
Eknath Shinde had said that we have the support of a "national party." I have a list of country's national parties - BJP, INC, NCP, CPIM, CPM, and BSP. Everybody knows which of these national parties is supporting the Shinde camp.
The Assam government is actively helping the rebels. There is no need to say anything more
The rebels well have to face the ant-defection laws.
Security Increased at Sena HQ, Matoshree; Mumbai police Commissioner Meets CM
Amid ongoing political turmoil in Maharashtra caused by a rebellion in the Shiv Sena, Mumbai police on Thursday beefed up security at the party headquarters Shiv Sena Bhavan and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's private residence 'Matoshree'.
City police commissioner Sanjay Pandey met CM Thackeray at Matoshree to discuss the law and order situation, said an official.
Misuse of State Power by BJP to Destabilise Maha Govt: CPI-M
The CPI(M) accused the BJP of misusing the State power to undermine democracy by "spiriting away" Shiv Sena MLAs and trying to destabilise the Maharashtra government.
In a statement, the CPI(M) Polit Bureau said it "strongly condemns the manner in which MLAs belonging to the Shiv Sena have been spirited away to Surat and then to Guwahati, both BJP-ruled states".
"This has been done by the BJP utilising the State machinery in both states. The Central agencies have also been utilised to target ministers and legislators of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government with the aim of destabilising the government," it said.
6 More Maharashtra MLAs, Thackeray's Emissary to Rebels, Fly to Guwahati
Six MLAs and an MLC from the neighbouring state arrived in Gujarat's Surat city on Thursday and were later flown to Guwahati in Assam, where party rebels are camping, in two chartered flights, sources said.
Apart from the six MLAs, Shiv Sena MLC Ravindra Phatak also reached Guwahati in the BJP-ruled Assam from Surat, where dissidents were first camping after arriving from Mumbai on Monday night, to join the rebel camp.
Notably, Phatak was part of a two-member delegation sent by Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday to hold discussions with Shinde and other rebel Sena MLAs at a hotel in Surat to find a solution to the political crisis which has pushed the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government to the brink of collapse.
'Don't Know if Any Maharashtra MLAs Are in Assam':CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma told reporters in Delhi that he "did not know" if any Maharashtra MLAs are in Assam.
"There are many good hotels in Assam, anyone can come there and stay there. I don't know if Maharashtra MLAs are staying in Assam. MLAs of other states can also come and stay in Assam," Sarma said.
3 Shiv Sena MLAs Reach Guwahati
Shiv Sena MLAs Dadaji Bhuse, Sanjay Rathode and Ravinder Phatak reach Radisson Blu in Guwahati, Assam.
Shiv Sena Seeks Disqualification of Shinde, 11 Other MLAs
A Shiv Sena delegation met with the Assembly deputy speaker Narhari Zirwal, and submitted pleas seeking to disqualify 12 MLAs, namely:
Eknath Shinde
Tanaji Sawant
Prakash Surve
Balaji Kenikar
Anil Babar
Lata Sonawane
Yamini Jadhav
Sanjay Shirsat
Bharat Gogavale
Sandipan Bhumre
Abdul Sattar
Mahesh Shinde
"Our legialative party leader Anil Choudhary and party's chief whip had summoned all the MLAs but they chose to remain absent," Sena MP Arvind Sawant said.
He added, "It was necessary to bring this before the speaker and ask him to take action as per the Constitution."
'You Cannot Scare Us, Whip is Used for Assembly Work': Shinde
Reacting to Sena seeking disqualification of 12 MLAs, rebel leader Eknath Shinde took to Twitter to say, "You cannot scare us by giving the names of 12 MLAs for disqualification because we are followers of the Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray. We know the law, so we do not pay heed to threats."
He added in Marathi, "We know your ways and the law too! According to Schedule 10 of the Constitution, the whip is used for assembly work, not for meetings."