Politics

Eknath Shinde faction is the ‘real’ Shiv Sena: Maharashtra Speaker announces verdict

The Speaker's much-awaited verdict comes as a huge relief to Shinde and a major blow to the Shiv Sena-UBT, who had contested the claims of the breakaway group

PGurus Newsdesk

January 10, 2024

The Speaker's much-awaited verdict comes as a huge relief to Shinde and a major blow to the Shiv Sena-UBT, who had contested the claims of the breakaway group

Maharashtra Speaker’s much-awaited verdict comes as a huge relief to CM Eknath Shinde and a major blow to the Shiv Sena-UBT

In a massive setback for the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) faction led by Uddhav Thackeray, the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Wednesday 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 validly elected Chief Whip.

The Speaker’s much-awaited verdict comes as a huge relief to Shinde and a major blow to the Shiv Sena-UBT, who had contested the claims of the breakaway group.

On Wednesday evening, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar started the much-anticipated reading of the verdict on the disqualification of Shiv Sena MLAs of the rival factions after the party split in June 2022.

Legislators of political parties, legislature officials, lawyers of both the contending parties – the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena (UBT) headed by ex-Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray – 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.

[With Inputs from IANS]

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.