Maharashtra: Notice issued to 53 MLAs of Shiv Sena, 39 of Shinde faction and 14 MLAs of Uddhav faction increased difficulties
Even after the formation of the government in Maharashtra under the leadership of Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis, political upheaval continues. Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Principal Secretary Rajendra Bhagwat has issued show cause notices to 53 of the 55 Shiv Sena MLAs. This includes 39 MLAs of Shinde faction and 14 MLAs of Uddhav faction. This notice has been issued under the rule of disqualification on the ground of defection.
Legislators from both the sides have confirmed that they have received the show cause notices. Santosh Bangar, one of the 14 MLAs of the Thackeray faction, had joined the Shinde camp on July 4, the day of the floor test. The two factions have accused each other of violating the party whip during the election of the speaker and voting on the trust vote, with both sides demanding the disqualification of the legislators.
The Shinde faction has not included the name of former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s son Aaditya Thackeray in the list of MLAs against whom they have sought disqualification. These notices have been issued to the MLAs under the Members of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on grounds of defection) Rules. Sources said the MLAs have been asked to file their reply within seven days.
After Thane, rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray in Navi Mumbai, 32 councilors met Shinde, gave support
Shiv Sena has 55 MLAs in the 288-member assembly. The present strength of the House is 287 after the death of a Shiv Sena MLA. During the floor test, 164 MLAs voted in favor of the Eknath Shinde government while 99 voted against it.
After winning the trust vote in the assembly on July 4, Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde faction had issued notices to 14 MLAs of the Uddhav Thackeray camp for violating the whip issued by Shiv Sena whip and Shinde loyalist Bharat Gogawale. A day before the floor test, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar recognized Gogawale as the chief whip of the Shiv Sena. The speaker had removed Sunil Prabhu of the Thackeray faction.
