In a significant ruling, Maharashtra Speaker Rahul Narwekar has declared that the Eknath Shinde faction is the authentic representation of Shiv Sena in the Assembly. This ruling came as part of the decision on disqualification petitions filed against Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and several MLAs involved in the rebellion that caused a division within Shiv Sena last year.
The Speaker emphasized that MLAs aligned with Eknath Shinde cannot be disqualified. He affirmed the validity of Eknath Shinde’s appointment as the leader of Shiv Sena, stating that Uddhav Thackeray lacked the authority to remove Shinde. According to the Speaker, the decision-making power within Shiv Sena lies with the Rashtriya Karyakarini, not solely with the party president.
Furthermore, the Speaker accepted the reliance on the 1999 constitution of Shiv Sena by Eknath Shinde. This development adds a new layer to the ongoing political dynamics in Maharashtra.
The rebellion led by Eknath Shinde and several MLAs in June 2022 had a profound impact, resulting in a split within Shiv Sena and the subsequent collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition. The Maha Vikas Aghadi included the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress, apart from Shiv Sena.
The Speaker’s ruling not only recognizes the legitimacy of the Eknath Shinde faction but also sheds light on the internal workings and power structures within Shiv Sena. The decision holds implications for the political landscape of Maharashtra, potentially influencing the alliances and alignments in the state.
As the political scenario unfolds, this ruling is expected to have reverberations, prompting reactions from various quarters of the state’s political spectrum. The impact of this development will likely extend beyond the immediate context of the Shiv Sena split, influencing the broader political narrative in Maharashtra. The decision by the Speaker adds another chapter to the evolving political saga, setting the stage for potential shifts and realignments in the state’s political dynamics.