NEW DELHI: There is no end in sight for the
Maharashtra political crisis
and the tussle within the Shiv Sena, as the rebel MLAs led by
Eknath Shinde
seem prepared to stay put in Guwahati. They are awaiting clarity on two moot points before contemplating a return to Mumbai- the possible disqualification of 16 dissident MLAs and the appointment of the chief whip in the legislative assembly.
The battle could well get dragged to the courts as the two sides look closely at the legal options available.
Both the sides are to meet this afternoon to strategise their next moves.
Here are some of the latest developments in the Maharashtra political saga.
‘Skipping meet no ground for disqualification’
The political drama unfolding in Maharashtra now has legal experts divided too on whether disqualification can be sought for the ‘rebels’ in Shiv Sena. However, most are in agreement that the MLAs cannot be disqualified on grounds of not attending recent party meetings as that is outside the ambit of legislative affairs.
The party’s petition to the deputy speaker seeking disqualification of 16 MLAs including rebel leader Eknath Shinde has sought to invoke para 2 (1) (a) of the 10th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which governs ‘disqualification on grounds of defection’.
280 MVA decisions in 4 days; ‘rebels’ arranged orders, funds before flight
The MVA government led by CM
Uddhav Thackeray
has taken 280 decisions since Monday. “It seems that the rebel cabinet members ensured that all relevant orders are issued before they leave Mumbai, an official said. “They took proper care: orders have been issued and adequate budgetary provisions made for the purpose,” he said.
Provisions have been made for Rs 1,200 crore for providing power at a concessional rate for industrial consumers in the backward areas in Vidarbha, Marathwada and north Maharashtra. Provisions have also been made for distribution of bulk water to private housing societies. As many as 18 decisions have been taken by the water supply department controlled by rebel minister Gulabrao Patil.
‘Rebels in no hurry to leave Guwahati until key issues resolved’
Former minister and Shiv Sena MLA Deepak Kesarkar, who is now in the Eknath Shinde camp, told TOI on Friday said the rebel group is in no hurry to return to Maharashtra until two issues – the possible disqualification of 16 dissident MLAs and the appointment of the chief whip in the legislative assembly- are resolved.
Kesarkar said, “How can they have their chief whip when their house strength has dwindled to 15 members. Our group has the support of 38 Sena MLAs. These moves are completely unconstitutional. If there is a vote of no-confidence, the downfall of the present government will be imminent.”
“The petition for disqualification of the 16 MLAs is on ground that they did not attend a meeting of Sena legislators. This meeting was called at very short notice and they must remember that Maharashtra is a big state and, in some parts, it takes at least 10-12 hours to reach Mumbai. How can these MLAs travel from their home district to Mumbai in such a short time? ” he said.
