Shiv Sena disgruntled MLAs, including Maharashtra Minister Eknath Shinde, were staying in Gujarat when they left for Assam last night.
In Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena is ruling in alliance with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party. In this context, the BJP won 5 out of 10 seats in the recent state elections. While the BJP had the strength of MLAs to win only 4 seats, the party also won the 5th position as about 23 people voted in favor of the BJP as independents and other party MLAs. It was revealed that more than 12 MLAs belonged to the ruling Shiv Sena. As the Shiv Sena was recovering from the shock, 30 MLAs from the party suddenly disappeared with Minister Eknath Shinde yesterday. It was later discovered that they were staying at the Star Hotel in BJP-ruled Gujarat. No matter how much the Shiv Sena tried to contact them, it did not work.
In the meanwhile, all those MLAs flew to Guwahati, Assam last night. They are staying at a star hotel there. Speaking to reporters in Guwahati, Eknath Shinde said, “Not only 30 MLAs; 44 MLAs are with us. Apart from this, 7 independent MLAs have expressed their support to us. I have conveyed our demand to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uttam Thackeray. Now the decision is in his hands.” Informed sources say the disgruntled MLAs are demanding that the Shiv Sena form an alliance with the BJP and rule. If the Shiv Sena does not cooperate, they are said to be on the verge of overthrowing the regime.
In Maharashtra, the ruling Shiv Sena has 55, the Nationalist Congress Party 53 and the Congress 44 members, bringing the total to 152 MLAs. The party with 144 members in the 288-member state legislature is eligible to rule. The opposition BJP currently has 106 MLAs. In addition, 119 MLAs from smaller parties and independents have expressed support for the party. At this juncture, if 30 MLAs, including Minister Eknath Shinde, support the BJP, the Uttam Thackeray-led Maha Vikas government will be overthrown. Political activists say the BJP is likely to rule there with a majority.