MUMBAI: Nearly two years after a revolt by then Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde led to the collapse of the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi authorities in Maharashtra, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Wednesday delivered his much-awaited verdict on the disqualification of a number of MLAs. Narwekar, whereas asserting his verdict on disqualification issues, emphasised that the arguments offered by the Uddhav Thackeray faction lack substance. The Shiv Sena ‘pramukh’ doesn’t have the facility to take away any chief from the occasion, Narwekar mentioned whereas asserting his ruling.
He additionally earlier maintained that the occasion’s Constitution of 2018 can’t be taken into consideration. Narwekar added that the Shiv Sena structure issued by the Election Commission is the genuine doc and can henceforth be known as the SS Constitution. “The last relevant constitution submitted to ECI before the rival groups emerged in 1999. I hold that the Constitution of the Shiv Sena provided by ECI to the Speaker is the relevant constitution of Shiv Sena to decide which is the political party,” he mentioned.
‘No Consensus On Constitution Submitted By Sena Factions’
“There is no consensus on the constitution submitted by both the parties (two factions of Shiv Sena) to the EC. The two parties have different points of view on leadership structure. The only aspect is the majority in the legislature party. I will have to decide the relevant constitution to be taken into account to the leadership structure that existed before the dispute….” Narwekar mentioned whereas asserting the ruling.
It was the election of the Assembly Speaker, Narwekar, that fashioned the premise of the disqualification pleas of the 2 rival sides as they accused one another of defying the occasion’s whip. Last yr, the Supreme Court had entrusted the Speaker to resolve the disqualification petitions of the MLAs – 34 in whole – from the 2 rival Sena camps.
Consultations Ahead Of The Landmark Judgement
Before delivering the decision, Speaker Narwekar held consultations with senior attorneys, emphasizing that the choice can be primarily based on the regulation, making certain justice for all events concerned. Describing it as a benchmark judgment, Narwekar aimed to supply a good decision to the continued dispute throughout the Shiv Sena.
Split In Shiv Sena & Disqualification Pleas
Following the cut up inside Shiv Sena, the Shinde faction includes 40 MLAs and 13 MPs, whereas the Uddhav faction has 16 MLAs and 6 MPs. The disqualification pleas arose from accusations of each factions defying the occasion’s whip in the course of the election of the Assembly Speaker, Narwekar.
Background Of The Dispute
The roots of the matter hint again to June 2022 when Eknath Shinde and round 40 MLAs rebelled towards Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, resulting in a Shiv Sena cut up. Resorting to “resort politics,” the insurgent MLAs shifted places, ultimately becoming a member of fingers with the BJP, ensuing within the downfall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi authorities.
Disqualification Petitions
The energy wrestle escalated as each factions handed resolutions, every claiming management throughout the Sena. Disqualification petitions have been filed towards 40 MLAs of the rival camp by the Uddhav Thackeray camp, and in return, the Shinde faction filed petitions towards 14 legislators from the Uddhav camp.
Supreme Court And Election Commission Rulings
In February 2023, the Election Commission acknowledged the Shinde faction because the “real” Sena, allocating the ‘Shiv Sena’ title and ‘bow and arrow’ image. The Supreme Court, afterward, dominated towards restoring the Maha Vikas Aghadi authorities, stating that Uddhav Thackeray resigned with out dealing with the ground take a look at.
Decisions To Be Made By The Speaker Today?
Now, the Speaker should decide the actual Shiv Sena and the licensed chief, regardless of the Election Commission’s order. Examining the occasion’s structure, the Speaker will navigate via the conflicting claims relating to the modification in 2018, figuring out the focus of energy throughout the occasion. This choice by the Speaker holds immense significance, setting the stage for the long run path of the Shiv Sena and its political panorama in Maharashtra.
