Faction led by Eknath Shinde is ‘real’ Shiv Sena, announces Maharashtra speaker
Updated: Jan 10th, 2024
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| Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde (img: IANS) |
In a significant verdict, Maharashtra assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar today ruled that the faction led by chief minister Eknath Shinde is the “real” Shiv Sena.
The Speaker also held that the then chief whip Sunil Prabhu ceased to hold the post and the new chief whip Bharat Gogawale was the one validly elected.
The Speaker’s much-awaited verdict comes as a huge relief to Shinde and a major blow to the Shiv Sena-UBT, led by ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray, who had contested the claims of the breakaway group.
Major declaration by the Speaker
Legislators of political parties, legislature officials, lawyers of both the contending parties - the Shiv Sena and Shiv Sena (UBT) - were present as the Speaker commenced reading the ruling in the Legislature assembly hall.
Earlier in the day, in a brief media interaction, Narwekar said that his decision would be as per the law and would give justice to all the parties concerned, thus, making it “a benchmark judgment”.
He added that his decision would be as per the provisions of the constitution and in compliance with the Supreme Court directions in the matter.
Narwekar said he would attempt to make an understanding and interpretation of the 10th Schedule of the constitution through his ruling, while ensuring justice to all the parties.
The Speaker’s crucial ruling is likely to pave the way for the state’s political future with possible ramifications on the forthcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections this year.
(Source: IANS)
- Edited for style
