Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde’s son and party MP Shrikant Shinde on Monday said Maharashtra Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal had sent the disqualification notice to his father and 15 other dissident legislators under pressure.
The political turmoil in Maharashtra intensifies, with the Supreme Court hearing a petition, by rebel Shiv Sena MLA and Minister Eknath Shinde, against the disqualification notice issued by the Deputy Speaker to him and 15 other legislators.
Earlier, taking action against the rebels, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray rejigged the State Cabinet portfolios. Departments with rebel Ministers have been handed over to Ministers still with the Thackeray camp.
The Enforcement Directorate summoned Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut in a money laundering case connected with HDIL promoters Rakesh and Sarang Wadhawan.
Here are the latest updates:
Deputy Speaker had issued notice to rebel MLAs under pressure, says Shrikant Shinde
Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde’s son and party MP Shrikant Shinde on Monday said Maharashtra Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal had sent the disqualification notice to his father and 15 other dissident legislators under pressure which is evident from the Supreme Court order.
“The speaker has rights in the Assembly. He has the power if anyone goes against the whip in the legislature. It does not apply to anyone not coming for any meeting. The ‘tughlaqi farman’ (the disqualification notice) was issued (by him) under pressure and the court has shown that today,” Mr. Shinde, the MP from Kalyan, said.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the ‘Shakti Sthal’ memorial of the late Shiv Sena leader Anand Dighe here, Shrikant said party leader Sanjay Raut should watch his mouth, a day after the latter’s “bodies without souls” remarks against the dissident MLAs camping in Guwahati caused a flutter. - PTI
Discussion on about whether to keep in abeyance the disqualification proceedings before Deputy Speaker
The Supreme Court issues notice to Deputy Speaker, among others on petitions by Eknath Shinde and 15 rebel legislators challenging the disqualification proceedings against them.
The Court gives the respondents five days to file counter affidavits. Mr. Shinde and rebels gets three days to file rejoinders.
The case likely to be listed on July 11.
Discussion on about whether to keep in abeyance the disqualification proceedings before Deputy Speaker for the time being.
The Bench takes on record Maharashtra government’s statement that the lives and properties of 39 MLAs and their families will not come to any harm.
Rebel Maharashtra Minister’s supporters, Sena workers try to confront each other; police intervene to avert clash
The supporters of rebel Maharashtra minister Rajendra Patil-Yadravkar, who is camping with the Eknath Shinde-led group in Guwahati, and some Shiv Sena workers came face to face with each other in Kolhapur district on Monday.
However, police intervened and tried to keep the two groups away from each other to avoid a clash, a senior police official said.
The supporters of Yadravkar, an independent MLA from Shirol in Kolhapur, came out to back him in Jaysingpur town, one of the supporters said.
A group of Shiv Sena workers also tried to stage a protest near the spot. - PTI
Sanjay Raut’s brother denies being in touch with Eknath Shinde camp
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut’s brother, Sunil Raut, dismisses claims that he was in touch with rebel Eknath Shinde, stating that he is a staunch Shiv Sainik and will continue to work for the party till his last breath.
Sunil Raut is a two-time MLA from Mumbai’s Vikhroli in Maharashtra.
On Sunday, there were media reports that the rebel Eknath Shinde camp had contacted Sunil Raut and the latter might head towards Guwahati where the rebels has been putting up in hotel.
When asked about the speculation, Sunil Raut said: “Why will I go to Guwahati? I would rather go to Goa to see its natural beauty. Will I go to Guwahati to see the faces of those traitors? I am a Shiv Sainik, and I will work for the party till my last breath.” - ANI
SC proceedings resume; Rebels question Speaker’s powers
The Supreme Court resumes after a break.
Adv. Neeraj Kishan Kaul, appearing for Eknath Shinde and other Shiv Sena rebels, argues that Article 179 of the Constitution requires a 14-day notice if notice for removal of Speaker is made. Following which the removal motion is placed in the Assembly by the members and decided. Until then, the Speaker cannot adjudicate the disqualification of the rebel leaders.
Adv A.M. Singhvi, appearing for respondents -- Anil Chaudhary and Sunil Prabhu, counters Mr. Kaul’s arguments. He says Mr. Shinde should have gone to the Bombay High Court first.
He contends that the Supreme Court has never intervened when disqualification proceedings are already pending with the Speaker. Says the Nebam Rebia judgment is being wrongly quoted.
Justice Surya Kant questions, “When the removal process against the Speaker is pending, can he adjudicate disqualification of members?”
Mr. Singhvi argues that Rebia judgment is in line with a 1992 judgment of the SC in the Kihoto Hollohan case, which says the court cannot interfere when the disqualification proceedings is with the Speaker
Mr. Singhvi says let the Speaker decide, and even if he decides wrongly, the court can intervene later
Justice Kant says the Kihoto Hollohan judgment did not consider a scenario in which the Speaker’s continuation in office is in question.
Mr. Singhvi claims no-confidence notice against Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal was received from an unverified e-mail id and was not taken on record.
However, Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for the Deputy Speaker, says there was a notice and his client had sent a reply. But the authenticity of the notice is under question.
Justice Kant suggests Deputy Speaker filing these documents on record.
Governor should call Assembly session, ask rebels to prove majority: Congress
Maharashtra Congress demands that State Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari calls a session of the Legislative Assembly.
“The Governor should convene a session of the Assembly at the earliest by calling all MLAs and asking them (predictably BJP and Shiv Sena’s rebel faction) to prove majority. It is clear now that the BJP is trying to finish off the Shiv Sena and attempting to destabilise the cultural and political fabric of Maharashtra. The BJP will have to bear the fruits of their action,” says party’s State unit chief Nana Patole. - Shoumojit Banerjee
Abhishek Manu Singhvi appears for Shiv Sena, Deputy Speaker
Senior advocate A.M. Singhvi appears for the respondent side, which includes the Deputy Speaker.
The bench takes a break. - Krishnadas Rajagopal, Legal Correspondent
SC summarises the points raised by the rebel faction
Justice Surya Kant says, “One, you are apprehensive about your life and liberty.”
“Two, no reasonable time was given to you to respond to disqualification notice issued on June 25. In fact, the time expires at 5 p.m. today.”
“Three, Deputy Speaker is not competent to adjudicate the disqualification petition against you as his own removal process is pending,” Justice Kant adds.
“Why can’t you go before the Deputy Speaker and raise this issue about his competence?” he asks. - - Krishnadas Rajagopal, Legal Correspondent
SC asks Eknath Shinde why he didn’t approach Bombay HC first; lawyer claims threat to rebels
The Supreme Court, hearing a plea by Shiv Sena rebels led by Eknath Shinde, asks his lawyer, senior advocate Neeraj Kishan Kaul, why they didn’t approach the Bombay High Court first. A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice J.B. Pardiwala is hearing the rebel faction’s petition against the disqualification notice served by Maharashtra Assembly Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal.
Mr. Kaul says properties, belongings and homes of the rebel leaders are under threat. They are not able to pursue legal remedies in Mumbai. Atmosphere is bad. Threats to their lives have been made. Mr. Kaul seeks protection for his clients.
He also says Article 226 in the HC is not a constitutional bar from approaching the SC under Article 32 of the Constitution.
He says says the rebels have 39 MLAs with them now. They form the majority and the disqualification is being sought on the plea of a minority faction of the Shiv Sena.
Mr. Kaul says the rebel leaders were threatened that “40 bodies will arrive from Guwahati”.
Mr. Kaul quotes Nebam Rebia judgment of the SC to raise the legal argument that Deputy Speaker, who is himself facing removal notice, cannot adjudicate the disqualification petition filed against Mr. Shinde and other rebel leaders for defection. - - Krishnadas Rajagopal, Legal Correspondent
Ready to get arrested: Sanjay Raut on ED summon
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut reacts on the Enforcement Directorate summons to him and tags BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, saying he is ready to get arrested. “We have entered in this battle as soldiers of Balasaheb only to stop you. We are ready to get sacrificed. Come. Arrest me.” Mr. Raut says
Uddhav rejigs portfolios
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray rejigs State Cabinet portfolios amid the ongoing political tussle in his party. Departments with rebel Ministers have been handed over to Ministers still with the Thackeray camp.
Cabinet ministers:
Subhash Desai to handle Urban Development Department and Public Works (Public undertaking) instead of Eknath Shinde.
Anil Parab will handle Water supply and sanitation instead of Gulabrao Patil.
Shankrrao Gadakh will handle Agriculture instedd of Dada Bhuse and Employment Guarantee and Horticulture Sandipan Bhumre.
Aaditya Thackeray will handle the Higher and Technical Education department instead of Uday Samant.
ED summons Sanjay Raut in money laundering case
The Enforcement Directorate summons Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut in a money laundering case connected with HDIL promoters Rakesh and Sarang Wadhawan. The summon comes amid the ongoing political crisis facing his party. - Sonam Saigal
Shiv Sena ready for both street & legal fight, says Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut says his party is ready for a “street fight and a legal battle”, ahead of the crucial hearing in the Supreme Court against the disqualification notice issued by the Maharashtra Assembly’s deputy speaker to rebel party MLAs.
On his remarks made on Sunday that 40 bodies will come from Assam and will be sent directly to the morgue for postmortem, in a reference to the rebel MLAs, Mr. Raut says he was speaking about the “dead conscience” of the legislators and that they are “living corpses” now.
“I have not done anything to hurt anyone’s feelings. I have only stated the fact that your (rebel MLAs) conscience is dead and you are a living corpse,” the Shiv Sena’s chief spokesperson tells reporters.
“This is a legal fight and a street fight. It will take place and the party is ready for it,” Mr. Raut adds. - PTI
PIL filed in Bombay HC against rebel Sena leader Eknath Shinde for instigating internal disorder
A Public Interest Litigation has been filed in the Bombay High Court against Eknath Shinde, who is leading the group of rebel Shiv Sena MLAs from Maharashtra, for causing a “political turmoil” in the state and instigating an internal disorder in the State Government.
The PIL seeks appropriate action against the rebel leaders for the “omission of duties and moral wrongs committed, leading to disrespect towards the public rights and good governance”.
The litigation, filed by seven citizens of Maharashtra, also seeks a direction to the Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in the State to submit a detailed plan of assurance, detailing the process of governance in the absence of several of its ministers.
The plea, filed through advocates Asim Sarode and Ajinkya Udane, further seeks the court to direct the rebel leaders to return to the state and resume their duties, and claimed the rebel MLAs were disregarding the oath taken by them under the Constitution.
BJP pulling strings in Maha, claims Shiv Sena on Y-plus security to rebel MLAs
With the Centre providing Y-plus security to Maharashtra’s rebel Shiv Sena MLAs, the party claims it is now evident that the BJP is “pulling the strings” amid the current political turmoil in the State.
An editorial in the Sena mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ likens the rebel Sena MLAs led by Eknath Shinde to “big bulls”, and alleged that they have been “sold” for ₹50 crore.
The Centre on Sunday extended Y-plus security cover of CRPF commandos to at least 15 rebel Shiv Sena MLAs, officials earlier said.
Those who were provided the security cover include Ramesh Bornare, Mangesh Kudalkar, Sanjay Shirsat, Latabai Sonawane, Prakas Surve and 10 others .Their families living in Maharashtra will also be secured, the officials had said. - PTI
Eknath Shinde speaks to MNS chief Raj Thackeray about recent political situation
As the political turmoil in Maharashtra continues to unfold, rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shide spoke to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray about the recent political situation in the State, confirmed an MNS leader on Monday.
The MNS leader further said that Mr. Shinde spoke to Raj Thackeray over the phone twice and also enquired about his health.
“Rebel Shiv Sena MLA Eknath Shide spoke to MNS chief Raj Thackeray over the phone twice. Shinde spoke to Thackeray about the recent political situation in Maharashtra and enquired about his health,” an MNS leader confirmed. - PTI
Some powerful force backing rebel Shinde, says NCP’s Eknath Khadse
Newly elected NCP MLC Eknath Khadse on Sunday said Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde’s rebellion against Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray was due to some “powerful force” backing the dissidents.
Addressing a press conference in Thane, Mr. Khadse, a former BJP leader, said the identity of this “powerful force” would be out in the open in the coming days, adding that he had never seen the State go through such a volatile situation in his 40-year political career.
“It (rebellion) is an internal issue of the Sena. However, there is surely some powerful force supporting Mr. Shinde. He will not take such a bold step without powerful backing. I have not seen such instability in the state in my 40-year career,” Mr. Khadse said. - PTI
Rebelled against Shiv Sena’s support to those having links with Dawood; not afraid of death: Eknath Shinde
Launching a fresh attack on Shiv Sena leadership, dissident leader Eknath Shinde on Sunday wondered how could Bal Thackeray’s party support the people having a direct connection with Dawood Ibrahim who was responsible for killing innocent Mumbaikars by triggering bomb blasts.
He said the banner of revolt was raised by him and other MLAs to protest against such support and he doesn’t care for his life in the bid to save Bal Thackeray’s Shiv Sena. Mr. Shinde’s tweets on Sunday night are an apparent reference to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) minister Nawab Malik who is in jail in connection with a money laundering case allegedly involving relatives of Dawood Ibrahim.
The tweets are also seen as a reply to Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut who had termed Mr. Shinde and other rebel MLAs “bodies without souls” which will be sent to the morgue.
“How can Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray’s Shiv Sena support those who have a direct connection with Dawood who killed innocent Mumbaikars by carrying out Mumbai bomb blasts? We are taking this step to oppose this; Don’t care if this step leads us to the brink of death,” Mr. Shinde tweeted in Marathi.
In another tweet, the senior Shiv Sena leader said they will consider themselves fortunate if they die while saving Shiv Sena and the ideology of Bal Thackeray.
Mr. Shinde had tagged his tweets to Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut’s Twitter handle. - PTI
Talking Politics with Nistula Hebbar | What led to the political crisis in Maharashtra?
In this episode of Talking Politics, we examine the current political crisis in Maharashtra and understand how the Shiv Sena found itself in this situation.
Pro-Thackeray rallies held in Shinde stronghold Thane-Palghar
A sizable number of Shiv Sena workers on Sunday bucked the trend seen over the past few days in Thane district, a bastion of rebel MLA Eknath Shinde, by taking out rallies in support of Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
Similar rallies, which were attended by hundreds of men and women workers carrying flags and shouting pro-Thackeray slogans, were also held in Vasai, Virar and some other parts of Palghar, also a stronghold of Mr. Shinde. - PTI
Eknath Shinde moves SC; Uddhav Thackeray camp says Shiv Sena rebels will be disqualified
The political turmoil in Maharashtra intensified on Sunday, with rebel Shiv Sena MLA and Minister Eknath Shinde moving the Supreme Court against the disqualification notice issued by the Deputy Speaker to him and 15 other legislators.
The party, led by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, meanwhile, received another jolt as Maharashtra Technical and Higher Education Minister Uday Samant — a key Sena leader in the Konkan region — joined the rebel camp in Guwahati.
Mr. Shinde now has the support of nine Sena Ministers with Aaditya Thackeray being the only one in the Uddhav Thackeray camp left in the State Assembly. (The other two Thackeray loyalists Anil Parab and Subhash Desai are Legislative Council members).
On the other side, the loyalists of Mr. Thackeray, too, have geared up to take on the rebels with MP Arvind Sawant stating that the party had already initiated legal action to disqualify the 16 rebel MLAs by serving notices to them.
