As the stand-off between 'rebel' Shiv Sena MLAs led by state Cabinet Minister Eknath Shinde and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray continues, the future of the ruling Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance looks increasingly uncertain.
Meanwhile, the Sena rebel camp, led by Eknath Shinde, has moved the Supreme Court with an appeal against the disqualification notice.
The Shinde camp has also challenged appointment of Ajay Choudhari as the Shiv Sena Legislature Party leader and the rejection of no-confidence motion against Deputy Speaker Narahari Zirwal.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday called the rebel MLAs in Guwahati "living corpses" and said that "their souls are dead."
Sources claim that the rebel leader Eknath Shinde had earlier conducted a midnight meeting with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray dared Shinde and other 'rebels' to contest elections and form a party in the name of their own fathers and not Balasaheb Thackeray.
"If you (rebel camp) have the courage, seek votes in the name of your fathers. Balasaheb’s name cannot be used by others. The Shiv Sena is like fire, do not put your feet in it, you will be scorched,” he said after the rebel MLAs named their faction of the party – Shiv Sena Balasaheb.
Sena workers vandalised homes and offices of several 'rebel' MLAs including Eknath Shinde's office in Thane
Protests were organised outside Shinde's office in support of the disgruntled MLA where effigies of Uddhav Thackeray were burnt by party cadre
NCP chief Sharad Pawar held a meeting with Uddhav Thackeray
The Assembly Secretariat on Saturday, 25 June, called upon Maharashtra Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni, seeking legal advice on the current political crisis
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said that rebel leader Eknath Shinde will support the BJP to form the government in the state
The Sena on Thursday, had said that the party will even consider the rebel group's demand of quitting the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)
‘Our Strength Will Be Increased to 51’: Rebel MLA Deepak Kesarkar
Rebel Shiv Sena MLA Deepak Kesarkar told ANI, "One to two more MLAs will come and join us. With their support and other independents, our strength will be increased to 51. We will arrive at a decision in 3-4 days and thereafter, we will directly go back to Maharashtra."
He also stated that "MLAs of the Shinde camp are ready to face the floor test in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly at any time, but first recognition should be given to Eknath Shinde faction."
7 Shiv Sena Workers Arrested for Attacking Shinde’s Son’s Office
Thane's Ulhasnagar police arrested seven Shiv Sena workers in connection with the attack on Eknath Shinde's son's office, ANI reported.
‘No Major Incident of Disrutpion of Law and Order’: Home Minister’s Office
Maharashtra Home Minister's Office has said in a statement that "there is no major incident of disruption of law and order situation in the state."
The statement added, "Adequate security has been provided at the office, residence of all MLAs who have gone to Guwahati."
It further said, "Maharashtra Police is on alert and geared up to deal with any law and order issue which, (if at all ) arises. Prohibitory orders are in force in various parts of the state. Anybody trying to disrupt peace will be dealt with as per the law."
'CM Didn't Hold a Meeting in 2.5 Years': Rebel MLA Bharatshet Gogawale
Rebel MLA Bharatshet Gogawale in video tweeted by Eknath Shinde claimed that CM Uddhav Thackeray didn't hold a meeting in the last 2.5 years with those Shiv Sena MLAs who lost Assembly polls in 2019.
He added, "On the contrary, state's Deputy CM gave funds to NCP candidates who lost 2019 Assembly elections".