5 Sena legislators defy party whip, cast votes in Council elections

Mumbai, June 1 (UNI) Defying party whip, five Shiv Sena legislators today voted during the biennial elections to eleven Legislative Council seats bringing to fore the fissures within the Shiv Sena legislature party.

Shiv Sena chief whip Gajanan Kirtikar had issued a whip directing Ashok Kale, Prakash Bharsakale, Vijay Vadettiwar, Jaywant Jagtap and Raja Raut not to cast their votes today for their anti-party acts over the past one year. But, despite the whip, all the five exercised their franchise.

Vijay Vadettiwar, Prakash Bharsakale and Ashok Kale had openly come out in support of estranged Shiv Sena leader Narayan Rane. The other two, though they have not expressed an open support for Mr Rane, were still issued notices.

Two more Sena legislators -- Manikrao Kokate and Vinayak are known supporters of Mr Rane and had expressed their support on the floor of the House. But, they were not served the notices.

Talking to UNI later, Mr Kirtikar said the party was aware that the five legislators had exercised their franchise and appropriate action is being contemplated against them.

UNI JM MAZ AG RL VV1626