Eknath Shindes Shiv Sena Faction Declared Real Party by Maharashtra Assembly Speaker

Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar ruled in favor of Eknath Shindes faction, declaring it the real Shiv Sena party. The verdict comes after a split in the party led to disqualification petitions from rival groups. Shindes victory solidifies his position ahead of upcoming elections.

In a significant political development in Maharashtra, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar ruled in favor of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's faction, declaring it as the legitimate Shiv Sena. The verdict came after cross-petitions were filed by rival groups seeking disqualification of each other's MLAs following a split in the party in June 2022. The Speaker's decision adds another chapter to the ongoing legacy war within the Shiv Sena.

Shinde's Victory Consolidates Power

In his 105-minute-long reading of the key points of the ruling, Narwekar rejected the disqualification petitions filed by both the Shinde-led Sena and the Uddhav Thackeray faction against each other's MLAs. This verdict solidifies Shinde's position as the Chief Minister, 18 months after his rebellion, and strengthens his political influence within the ruling coalition, which includes the BJP and the NCP Ajit Pawar group. The decision comes ahead of crucial Lok Sabha polls in the summer and assembly elections in Maharashtra scheduled for the second half of 2024.

Celebrations and Reactions

As Narwekar concluded reading the order, supporters of Chief Minister Shinde erupted in celebration, bursting firecrackers. Shinde hailed the verdict as a victory for the Constitution and democracy, while his rival Sena UBT leaders, including Uddhav Thackeray, Sanjay Raut, and Aaditya Thackeray, expressed their intention to challenge the Speaker's order in the Supreme Court.

Key Points of the Ruling

In his ruling, Narwekar emphasized that no party leadership can use the provisions of the 10th schedule of the Constitution's anti-defection law to suppress dissent or indiscipline within a party. He also clarified that the Shiv Sena 'pramukh' (chief) does not possess the authority to remove any leader from the party. Furthermore, the Speaker rejected the argument equating the will of the party chief with the will of the party.

Narwekar upheld the 1999 party constitution submitted to the Election Commission as the valid constitution for resolving the issues, dismissing the Thackeray group's contention that the amended constitution of 2018 should be considered.

Shinde's Numerical Strength

The Speaker noted that the Shinde group commanded an overwhelming majority of 37 out of the total 54 Sena MLAs when the rival factions emerged in June 2022. This numerical advantage played a crucial role in the Speaker's decision.

Reactions from Shinde and Allies

Reacting to the ruling, Shinde asserted that an individual party chief's opinion cannot represent the entire organization. He viewed the order as a clear message against treating a party as private limited property and denounced autocracy and dynasty politics. Shinde emphasized the importance of numbers in a democracy and highlighted his faction's numerical superiority over the rival group led by former CM Thackeray.

Deputy CM and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis congratulated Shinde on the verdict and expressed confidence that the Shiv Sena-led government will complete its full term until October 2024.

Thackeray's Disappointment and Legal Challenge

The verdict came as a significant setback for Thackeray and his faction. The Shiv Sena UBT chief expressed anger and termed the decision as a "murder of democracy." He announced that his party would move the Supreme Court to challenge the Speaker's order.

Thackeray criticized the Speaker for ignoring clear guidelines provided by the apex court. He argued that the original case pertained to disqualification under the anti-defection law, yet no lawmaker from either side was disqualified. The former CM asserted that the foundation of the order was flawed and amounted to an insult to the Supreme Court.

Thackeray vowed that the Shiv Sena would never be finished and expressed confidence in the support of the people of Maharashtra.

Raut's Criticism and Allies' Support

Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut lashed out at the BJP, accusing them of conspiring to finish Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena. He termed the order as a conspiracy and a black day for the Marathi manoos. Raut rejected the verdict, claiming it was not in accordance with the law and the Constitution.

Allies of the Shiv Sena UBT rallied behind the beleaguered party. NCP founder Sharad Pawar suggested that the verdict should be challenged in the Supreme Court. He pointed out that statements from government officials, including the Chief Minister, hinted at their knowledge of a favorable outcome, indicating a lack of impartiality.

Congress leader Ashok Chavan expressed sympathy for Thackeray and stated that the state's sympathy lay with him. He acknowledged that the Speaker's decision was not unexpected given the current political situation.

Celebrations in Shinde's Stronghold

In Thane, Shinde's political turf, supporters celebrated the verdict. They gathered at the Anand Ashram, the local party headquarters, and paid tribute to Shiv Sena stalwart Anand Dighe. Chants in praise of the Shiv Sena, Dighe, Bal Thackeray, and Shinde resonated throughout the gathering.

The Election Commission had earlier granted the 'Shiv Sena' name and 'bow and arrow' symbol to the Shinde-led faction in early 2023.