Mumbai: Central police have provided security to the homes of 15 disgruntled Shiv Sena MLAs staying in luxury hotels in Assam. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena dissident leader Eknath Shinde is reported to have met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Patnaik.
Maharashtra is ruled by a coalition of Shiv Sena, Congress and Nationalist Congress Party. An alliance has been formed and is being ruled under the name ‘Maha Vikas Agadi’. Meanwhile, senior Shiv Sena leader and minister Eknath Shinde has abruptly raised the banner against Chief Minister Uttam Thackeray. He has stipulated that he should withdraw from the alliance with the Congress party and form an alliance with the BJP to form the government.
It is said that there are 40 LLAs from the Shiv Sena in support of him. Moreover, some independent MLAs are also in favor of Eknath Shinde. His support for the number of MLAs is increasing day by day.
The disgruntled MLAs were originally staying in Surat, Gujarat. They were later taken to Assam and lodged in a luxury hotel in Guwahati. Meanwhile, various measures are being taken by the Shiv Sena to retain power.
With Eknath Shinde raising the battle flag, the BJP is said to be engaged in intense activities to rule with the support of disgruntled MLAs, independents and MLAs from smaller parties with him.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena dissident leader Eknath Shinde is reported to have met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Patnaik last Friday night.
Shinde, who arrived at the Mumbai airport from Assam, is said to have flown to Vadodara in Gujarat, where he met Amit Shah and Patnavis to discuss co-ruling with the BJP. It is also learned that they have discussed how to deal with the disgruntled MLAs if legal action is taken against them.
Disqualification Notice
In this context, the party’s National Working Committee meeting chaired by Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Uttam Thackeray was held yesterday evening. The meeting also decided to take action against Shiv Sena MLAs staying in Guwahati with Eknath Shinde.
Following this, the Deputy Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has sent disqualification notices to 16 Shiv Sena MLAs the day before yesterday. The notice states that they must give an explanation by 5 pm on the 27th (today).
Commenting on this, Eknath Shinde said, “The Shiv Sena is planning to take action to disqualify us. We did not leave the party. Thus, we cannot be intimidated by disqualification action. We also know the law. ”
A group of disgruntled Shiv Sena MLAs said, “It seems that the Shiv Sena leadership has decided to disqualify the disgruntled MLAs. But, that does not disqualify us. The Shiv Sena should withdraw from the Maha Vikas Agadi alliance. Then our demand is to rule with the BJP. ”
Deadline for Ministers
Meanwhile, senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Rawat has warned that all six disgruntled ministers must return to the party or face expulsion from the party within the next 24 hours. All these ministers are staying in Assam with Eknath Shinde.
Y Plus Security
In this case, the disgruntled MLAs complained that the state police protection provided to their homes had been withdrawn, thus threatening them and their families.
Following their request, the Union Home Ministry has ordered the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to provide Y-plus security to 15 people, including MLAs Ramesh Barner, Mangesh Kuthalkal, Sanjay Shirsad, Latabai Sonawane and Prakash Survey.
Accordingly, these MLAs have been given CRPF protection. About 4 to 5 CRPF commandos will be on security duty in rotation in their homes.
Investigation today
Shiv Sena disgruntled MLAs have filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the disqualification notice sent by the Deputy Speaker to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. The petition is likely to come up for hearing today.