| 08 July 2023
Mumbai, Maharashtra - In a significant development, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar has taken action against members of the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Uddhav Thackeray faction. Notices have been issued to 40 MLAs of the Shiv Sena and 14 legislators of the Uddhav Thackeray faction, asking them to respond to disqualification petitions filed against them.
The MLAs have been given a period of seven days to submit their replies and provide any necessary evidence to defend themselves against the disqualification. Failure to respond adequately could result in punitive action being taken against them.
The move by Speaker Narwekar follows the receipt of the Shiv Sena's constitution from the Election Commission (EC), highlighting the urgency of the matter. It also coincides with the impending court hearing of the disqualification petitions filed against 16 Shiv Sena MLAs, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Speaker Narwekar has indicated that both Shinde and Thackeray might be summoned to present their viewpoints and supporting evidence. Notably, Aditya Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray's son, and Rutuja Latke, who won the Andheri (East) bypoll on a ticket from the Uddhav Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena last year, have not been served with notices.
Earlier, Sunil Prabhu, an MLA from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena, approached the Supreme Court, seeking directions to expedite the resolution of the disqualification petitions against the 16 MLAs, including Eknath Shinde.
On May 11, the Supreme Court instructed Speaker Narwekar to make a prompt decision regarding the fate of the 16 Shiv Sena MLAs accused of engaging in anti-party activities. Last year, Eknath Shinde and 15 other MLAs staged a rebellion against then Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, leading to the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.
Consequently, Shinde and the rebel legislators joined forces with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to form a new government, triggering a series of legal battles and political turmoil within the state.
The current move by Speaker Narwekar to issue notices to the Shiv Sena MLAs demonstrates a renewed effort to address the disqualification petitions and bring clarity to the political landscape of Maharashtra. The outcome of the court hearing and subsequent action by the Speaker will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for the Shiv Sena and the power dynamics within the state government.
As the seven-day deadline approaches, all eyes are now on the MLAs' responses and the evidence they present to defend themselves against disqualification. The outcome will determine the future course of action and the potential impact on the stability of the government in Maharashtra.
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