MAHARASHTRA ASSEMBLY SPEAKER RECOGNIZES EKNATH SHINDE’S GROUP AS REAL SHIV SENA
In a groundbreaking decision, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar has recognized Eknath Shinde’s group as the real Shiv Sena. The decision follows a split in the party in June 2022, raising questions about the impact on the current Eknath Shinde government and Thackeray-backed legislators.
Narvekar’s decision comes after a series of petitions seeking the disqualification of legislators from both the Shinde and Thackeray factions. The hearing regarding the disqualification petition of Shiv Sena MLAs took place from September 2023 to December 2023 in the presence of Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar, with the decision announced today.
According to Narvekar, Sunil Prabhu’s stay as whip is invalid due to the split in the party in 2022. He also clarified that non-attendance of MLAs cannot be a ground for expulsion from the party.
The decision has brought relief to the 16 MLAs of Eknath Shinde’s group, while Thackeray’s plea to disqualify Shinde’s MLAs was not accepted.
During the hearing, Narvekar emphasized the importance of understanding the leadership structure of Shiv Sena to determine the real faction. The Speaker referred to the party rules and the leadership structure in his decision-making process, ultimately recognizing Shinde’s group as the real Shiv Sena.
The decision has sparked debate on whether Shiv Sena’s 40 MLAs will be disqualified and has raised questions about the leadership structure of the party. It is expected that the party rules submitted to the Election Commission in 1999 will be the basis for recognizing the real Shiv Sena.
Narvekar’s decision-making power is crucial in the case, and it is expected that the faction who disagrees with the decision announced by the Speaker can approach the Supreme Court and appeal.
The recognition of Eknath Shinde’s group as the real Shiv Sena has significant implications for the political landscape in Maharashtra, and the impact of this decision is yet to be fully realized.
It’s a complex and unfolding situation, similar to a previous case in Tamil Nadu politics where 18 legislators were disqualified, sparking a series of legal battles and appeals. The decision has the potential to reshape the political landscape in Maharashtra, and the fallout from Narvekar’s decision will become clearer in the coming days.