Maharashtra crisis: Sena authorises Uddhav to take action against rebels, Shinde camp extends hotel stay

The ongoing battle for the control of the Shiv Sena between party president Uddhav Thackeray and rebel leader Eknath Shinde played out on the streets of Maharashtra on Saturday with the cadres loyal to the Thackerays staging protests against the rebels by defacing their banners, hurling stones, and vandalising the office of an MLA in various parts of the state.

The Mumbai police has deployed its personnel at the city-based offices of various political parties and leaders, including ministers, MLAs and MPs, and their residences as a security measure, an official said on Saturday.

The prohibitory orders issued by the city police under section 37 of the Mumbai Police Act in the first week of June will continue to remain in place till July 10. It bans the assembly of five or more persons at one place, he said.

In Pune's Katraj area, Shiv Sena workers vandalised the office of rebel Shiv Sena MLA Tanaji Sawant, who is currently camping with other dissidents led by Eknath Shinde in Guwahati.

In Nanded city in the Marathwada region, Sena workers hurled stones at the residence of another dissident MLA, Balaji Kalyankar. 15 workers were detained by the police.

• Why did you go to Surat to break the party? And went to Guwahati from there, whose government is there? 

• There are futurists in our party who broke our party and took the MLAs away.

• After this incident Mamta Banerjee, Sonia Gandhi called the CM sahib .. they said that this government is working like Nazis.

• Whatever we did in Covid, we did for the people of the state and not for our family

Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray on Saturday said the present turmoil in the party, triggered by senior leader Eknath Shinde's rebellion, is the battle between "truth and lie".

Speaking to reporters after attending the Shiv Sena national executive," Aaditya said, "We will win and the truth will prevail. This is a battle between truth and lies."

Aaditya, son of Sena president and Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, held a meeting with Sena workers from south Mumbai to rally the party cadre.

Elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), controlled by Shiv Sena, are expected to be held later this year.

The Mumbai civic polls are crucial for the Sena which considers Mumbai as its citadel

Shiv Sena is apparently planning send the names of these rebel MLAs to the governor to get them removed from their posts:

• Eknath Shinde
• Dada Bhuse 
• Gulabrao Patil  
• Sandipan Bhumre 
• Shamburaje Desai 
• Abdul Sattar 
• Bacchu Kadu

The Maharashtra legislature secretariat on Saturday issued `summons' to 16 rebel Shiv Sena MLAs including senior minister Eknath Shinde, seeking written replies by the evening of June 27 to the complaints seeking their disqualification.

Signed by Rajendra Bhagwat, principal secretary of the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan, the summons were sent to all 16 MLAs named by the Shiv Sena's chief whip, Sunil Prabhu, in a letter.

Prabhu had earlier asked the rebel MLAs of the Shinde faction, who are camping in Guwahati, to attend a party meeting here on Wednesday but none of them turned up.

Subsequently, the Sena submitted two letters to the legislature secretariat, seeking disqualification of 16 MLAs including Shinde. The summons issued by Bhagwat on Saturday said that Prabhu had submitted a letter to deputy speaker of the Assembly Narhari Zirwal seeking their disqualification under The Members of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on ground of Defection) Rules, 1986.

 The BJP is indulging in horse-trading in Maharashtra as it did in Madhya Pradesh and in Rajasthan, Congress leader and Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot Saturday alleged.

He said the ongoing political development in Maharashtra is a bad sign for democracy.

His statement came as the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra battles to survive a rebellion by Shiv Sena MLAs led by state minister Eknath Shinde.

"What happens in Maharashtra, only time will tell. But this is not a good tradition. In my view, horse-trading is happening there too," he he told reporters in Sikar.

He alleged the BJP did horse-trading first in Madhya Pradesh, then in Rajasthan and now in Maharashtra. "It is a bad sign for the country, for democracy. People should understand these things."

Targeting the Centre, Gehlot alleged the Union government was misusing the Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax and CBI "which is a matter of great concern".

Everyone is nervous and not speaking out, he said. "And the politics that is being done about Hindu-Muslim is also dangerous because if there is violence, there will be no development," he said. 

If we were in the opposition, we could have said something about it but we felt helpless in spite of being in power

Amid the rebellion by Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde against Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and incidents being reported of offices of some rebel MLAs being attacked and damaged, Independent Lok Sabha MP from Amravati Navneet Rana on Saturday sough President's Rule in the state. | CLICK HERE TO READ MORE 

Eknath Shinde held a secret meeting after reaching Gujarat from Guwahati last night. And before dawn Shinde came back to the Guwahati hotel: Sources 

Reporter: Anand Pandey

The important thing is that we will not forget the betrayal done by rebel Shiv Sena MLAs. We (Shiv Sena) will win for sure: Maharashtra Minister Aaditya Thackeray

We are still in Shiv Sena, there's misunderstanding that we've left the party. We've just separated our faction. We've 2-3rd majority to follow the path we wanted. Our new leader chosen by majority. They didn't have more than 16-17 MLAs. Recognition should be given to our faction, if it isn't given, we'll go to court & prove our existence & numbers. We've numbers, but we respect CM Uddhav Thackeray, we won't speak against him. We must follow the path on which we fought Assembly elections. No party is paying for our expenses (of hotel accommodation), our leader Eknath Shinde called us and we came and stayed here (Guwahati hotel); will pay the expenses. BJP isn't behind all of this: Rebel Shiv Sena MLA Deepak Kesarkar

During a meeting of the party's national executive committee in Shiv Sena Bhavan to discuss future strategy amid the political crisis, the Shiv Sena leaders also discussed their future plans and came up with a three-point plan to keep the government intact. READ

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that the party was and will be of Bal Thackeray only. He also said that no traitor would be spared. "We've passed 6 resolutions & have decided Shiv Sena will follow Hindutva ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray & won't compromise with ideology of a united Maharashtra. Strict action to be taken against those who have betrayed the party. CM Thackeray has the authority to take action against those who left. We'll take legal action against those who have used Balasaheb Thackeray's name for their self-centred politics. Those who have left can't use our patriarch's  name," Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut

A video that went viral on social media on Saturday showed some people damaging the board outside the office of Shrikant Shinde, Lok Sabha MP from Kalyan in Thane district and son of Shiv Sena rebel leader Eknath Shinde. It showed some people throwing stones at the Ulhasnagar office of Shrikant Shinde and they can also be heard raising pro-Uddhav Thackeray slogans. In the video, four policemen can be seen chasing away the group, comprising eight to ten persons. Police are at the site and a probe was on, officials said.

Here are the points which were discussed in the meet: 

1.  Uddhav Thackeray was given all power to take any decision for Shiv Sena.

2. No one can use these names Balasaheb Thackeray and Shiv Sena.

3.  The party chief will also have the right to take action against those who betray the party.

A meeting of Eknath Shinde group is underway at Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati, Assam. 

Shiv Sena issued notices to 16 rebel MLAs led by leader Eknath Shinde. The party has asked them to respond by Monday. Notice sent by Deputy speaker says that, "As per Member of Maharashtra legislative assembly (disqualification in ground of defection rule 1986) you will have to send a written explanation for your defence by 27th June 5:30 pm. Also you will have to bring the documents that you will be presenting your case with. Please note that if you don't present your case with proper documentation by the given time period, we will consider that you don't have any objection or you don't have any say on the notice being given by Dy speaker."

- Reports Rajeev Singh (India TV)

'Until it gets legal authorization from Speaker, such type of groups will not be authorised. MVA doesn't support violence. There is anger amongst loyal Shiv Sainiks who've expressed their anger with their local MLAs who have shifted their loyalties. It's not a law and order situation. It's quite normal.'

Commissioner has decided to provide security to all the leaders' offices and homes. Section 144 has been implemented. No large gatherings allowed.

Security heightened outside the residence of rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, in Thane. He is currently staying at Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati, Assam, along with other rebel MLAs of the state.

In what could mean a major humiliation for Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde is likely to name his group of rebel MLAs as 'Shiv Sena Balasaheb'. Read more 

We haven't thought about forming Govt. We'll see what happens in time to come. About Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray & Sanjay Raut saying that they'll show majority, so many MLAs have left you- 37 from Shiv Sena & 7-8 Independent- how can you say that?: Ramdas Athawale

The national executive meeting of the Shiv Sena party workers has begun at the Shiv Sena Bhawan amid the political crisis in Maharashtra. 

Navneet Rana and her husband Ravi Rana, the sitting MLA from Badnera, who was arrested on April 23 by the Mumbai Police after announcing their plan to chant Hanuman Chalisa in front of ‘Matoshree’ has demanded President Rule in Maharashtra. In a video message, Rana said, "I want to request (Union) Home minister Amit Shah to secure the families of all the MLAs who have gone to the original Shiv Sena group, which is the one led by Eknath Shinde. President's Rule must be imposed in Maharashtra so that the hooliganism of Uddhav Thackeray is stopped and people of Maharashtra are protected from it," she said.

The supporters of rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde pasted his posters in Thane as a show of strength. 

Supporters paste posters of Eknath Shinde in Thane.

Maharashtra Congress called a meeting at Royal Stone, the residence of party leader & minister Balasaheb Thorat, this afternoon to discuss the current political situation of the state. 

Shiv Sena workers on Saturday vandalised an office of rebel Shiv Sena MLA Tanaji Sawant, who is currently in Guwahati as part of the Eknath Shinde camp. A group of Sena workers barged into the office of Bhairavnath Sugar Works, which belongs to Sawant, and damaged the office located in Katraj area in the morning, party corporator Vishal Dhanawade, who was part of the action, said. "The ransacking of Sawant's office is just the beginning and the offices of every traitor (rebel MLA) will be destroyed in the coming days," he said. Sawant represents Paranda assembly constituency in Osmanabad district. Majority of Shiv Sena MLAs have shifted their loyalty to Eknath Shinde and are camping in Guwahati, plunging the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government led by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, who heads the Sena, into a crisis. 

As pressures grew on the Shiv Sena and the rebel faction, both sides appeared set for a long-haul with legislative procedures and a possible legal battle likely to enter the play on day five of the Maharashtra political crisis here on Saturday.

Dissident Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde on Saturday alleged that the Maharashtra government has withdrawn the security cover provided at the residences of 16 rebel legislators, including himself, and dubbed the action as "political vendetta". In the letter, the legislators said CM Thackeray and the leaders of the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance will be responsible if any harm is caused to their family members.

Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde is likely to announce the name of his faction which currently has about 40 rebel Sena leaders, as per source. The move could further embarrass Uddhav Thackeray. The name of the group will most likely be Shiv Sena (Balasaheb Thackeray). The development could futher divide the party into two, Balasaheb faction and the other (Uddhav) faction. 

- Reports Pawan Nara (India TV) 

Rebel Shiv Sena MLA Deepak Kesarkar to hold a press conference at 4 pm today, virtually. He is currently camping with other rebel MLAs in Guwahati, Assam. 

Senior BJP leaders and other allies including union minister Ramdas Athwale will meet at Devendra Fadnavis's residence to decide a future course of action amid the political crisis in Maharashtra. 

- Reports JP Singh (India TV) 

Dilip Walse Patil tweeted on Friday rejected Eknath Shinde's claim and said that the security of any MLA has not been removed. Eknath Shinde had tweeted this morning itself, that the government is removing the security of his MLAs.

Shiv Sena workers vandalise office of the party's MLA Tanaji Sawant in Balaji area of Katraj, Pune. Sawant is one of the rebel MLAs from the state and is currently camping in Guwahati, Assam. 

Amid the political crisis in Maharashtra triggered by a rebellion by a large section of Shiv Sena MLAs, who are currently camping in Assam, the NCP on Saturday sought to know who was paying the bills of hotels in Guwahati and Surat. The Sharad Pawar-led party, which shares power with Sena and Congress in the state, also asked the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to find out the source of "black money" involved.

Much before the rebellion by a section of Shiv Sena MLAs caught the party-led Maharashtra government off guard and became the talk of the town, these legislators had accomplished the task of giving the slip to their security personnel in order to head to Surat in Gujarat and later to Guwahati, where they are camping at present.

Eknath Shinde has written a letter to CM Thackeray, Home Minister, DG and all Commissionerates. He accused the political leadership of revenge politics. He said the security was provided as per threat perception and was not a political favour. Shinde made another allegation that not only the security of the family members has been removed but the party is promoting violence through the party cadre in Maharashtra. 

- Reports Rajeev (India TV) 

Section 144 has been imposed in Thane city. The order was issued by Thane CP on suggestions by the district collector. 

- Reports Atul Singh (India TV)

In a tweet, Raut shared a picture of quote from author Rudyard Kipling which read, "Beware of overconcern for money, or position or glory. Someday you will meet a man who cares for none of these things. Then you will know how poor you are."

Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde will hold meeting today with other rebel MLAs at 2 pm today Guwahati hotel. Further strategy will be discussed in the meeting. A group is likely to be formed to communicate with the media.

- Reports Rajiv/Dinesh (India TV) 

A decision will be taken today at the national executive meeting. Deputy Speaker of Legislative Assembly Narhari Jirwal might issue notice to 16 rebel MLAs of Shiv Sena on suspension of their membership. Although the Shinde faction is prepared for this, they have already prepared a legal team to challenge this possible suspension. BJP is likely to support from behind the scenes in any such scenario. But if suspension happens, the Maharashtra drama may drag on for a long time.

Here are the names of 16 MLAs

Eknath Shinde
Tanaji Sawant
Prakash Surve
Yamini Jadhav
Bharat Gogavale
Abdul Sattar
Balaji Kalyankar
Anil Babar
Lata Sonawane
Sanjay Shirsath
Sandipan Bhumre
Mahesh Shinde
Prakash Abitkar
Sanjay Raymulkar
Balaji Kinikar
Ramesh Bornare

- Reports Rajiv Singh (India TV) 

Shiv Sena leaders on Friday, after the conclusion of a virtual meeting with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, said that they will "fight out" the ongoing political crisis in the state and the party is intact.

The office of one of the rebel MLAs of Shiv Sena, Mangesh Kudalkar, was vandalised on Friday allegedly by party workers amid the ongoing factionalism in the party.

A day after the Uddhav Thackeray faction submitted a plea before Deputy Speaker Narhari Jhirwal to disqualify the rebel MLAs, the Ekanth Shinde faction on Friday gave a notice of no-confidence motion against the deputy speaker.

Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrakant Patil on Friday said that the party has "nothing to do" with the problems faced by Shiv Sena due to revolt by a section of its MLAs.

Amid the ongoing political crisis in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday said that he had suspected the rebellion and revealed that Eknath Shinde who turned rebel, had raised the issue in front of him of the MLAs willing to go with the BJP.

Police authorities in Maharashtra have issued an alert across the state as Shiv Sena supporters are likely to stage angry protests following senior leader and minister Eknath Shinde's rebellion. 

Digging in his heels, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday expressed determination to fight the political crisis gripping his government and took on cabinet minister Eknath Shinde, saying the rebel leader's son is a Lok Sabha MP and should his son Aaditya Thackeray not also grow politically as both sides showed no signs of backing down to break the four-day-old impasse.

NCP president Sharad Pawar on Friday evening met Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray at the latter's residence amid the political crisis caused by Sena leader Eknath Shinde's rebellion.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday told the state administration that important development works related to welfare of people shouldn't be held up due to the ongoing political crisis in the state.

Taking dissident Shiv Sena MLAs head on, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday accused them of betrayal and challenged them to try and wean away common party workers as he slammed rebel leader Eknath Shinde and also tore into the BJP, saying it wants to "finish off" his outfit and does not want to share its Hindu votebank.

Taking dissident Shiv Sena MLAs head on, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday accused them of betrayal and challenged them to try and wean away common party workers as he slammed rebel leader Eknath Shinde and also tore into the BJP, saying it wants to "finish off" his outfit and does not want to share its Hindu votebank.