Context
Eknath Shinde v/s Uddhav Thackeray: Who Is The Real Shiv Sena
Shinde (C) with other Shiv Sena leaders. (via Twitter)
While Uddhav Thackeray has removed Eknath Shinde from the post of `Shiv Sena leader', the question remains which faction is the real Shiv Sena.
Shinde's claim on Shiv Sena: Shinde appointed Bharat Gogawale as the chief whip. Latter issued a whip to all 16 MLAs in the Thackeray camp.
As these 16 MLAs did not turn up for a party meeting in Goa, disciplinary proceedings, including disqualification will be initiated against them.
Shinde's camp has 39 MLAs constituting two-thirds of Shiv Sena, hence he claims on the party.
Thackeray's claim: Thackeray is trying to maintain his authority over the party despite resigning from the post of CM.
In this attempt, he has removed Shinde and a disqualification notice was also sent to 16 rebel Sena MLAs.
Sunil Prabhu, the chief whip appointed on Thackeray’s instruction, has objected to Gogawale's whip calling it illegal.
A lot depends on speaker: The elections for the post of Maharashtra assembly speaker will be held on 3 July.
BJP MLA Rahul Narvekar has filed his nomination as the party candidate for the election.
Shinde’s party may get recognition as the real Shiv Sena if it is approved by the speaker.
Supreme Court's greater role: When both the factions issue whip, the proceedings of the House will be in chaos.
The SC has assured to look into it on 11 July when the main plea of 16 rebel Shiv Sena MLAs against the disqualification notices issued by the Deputy Speaker would be heard.
MVA yesterday had moved the SC seeking suspension of 39 rebel Shiv Sena MLAs till the deputy speaker decides the disqualification petitions filed against them.
Numbers v/s candidature: Undoubtedly, the Shinde camp has numbers to dodge the anti-defection law but that's not enough to stake a claim on Shiv Sena.
This is because according to the tenth schedule the speaker needs to see which faction of the party set up the rebels as candidates.
If it is proved that Thackeray faction distributed tickets to them to contest the elections, then Shiv Sena will remain with Thackeray.
However, any faction can fight the battle legally before courts and the Election Commission if the decision doesn't come in its favour.
Introducing ElectionsHQ + 50 Ground Reports Project
The 2024 elections might seem easy to guess, but there are some important questions that shouldn't be missed.
Do freebies still sway voters? Do people prioritise infrastructure when voting? How will Punjab vote?
The answers to these questions provide great insights into where we, as a country, are headed in the years to come.
Swarajya is starting a project with an aim to do 50 solid ground stories and a smart commentary service on WhatsApp, a one-of-a-kind. We'd love your support during this election season.
Click below to contribute.
Latest
