Maharashtra News: 'Pawar & Sonia backed, own people backstabbed,' says Uddhav Thackeray

"BJP, that defamed our party, my family, is the one you are talking about going with. Such a question doesn't even arise. If MLAs want to go there they can, all of them can. I won't. If someone wants to go - be it an MLA or someone else - come and tell us and then go," said Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray.

He further said that BJP does not want to share the Hindutva vote back with anyone. "BJP wants Shiv Sena to break," he added.

"If am unfit to be party chief and if you tell me I will step aside. If my own Shiv Sainiks do not believe in me I will step down, Shiv Sena is an ideology, not a private property," said Maharashtra Chief Minister and Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray.

"Congress and NCP are supporting us today, Sharad Pawar and Sonia Gandhi have supported us. But our own people have backstabbed us. We gave tickets to people who could not have won and we made them victorious. Those people have backstabbed us today," Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray told party functionaries.

According to sources, Maharashtra Deputy Speaker is likely to send notices to 16 Shiv Sena rebels for hearing on the petition filed by the Uddhav's Sena party for their suspension on Saturday.

Sources also indicate that the hearing may start on Monday. For the hearing, the rebels will have to personally come.

These MLAs are Chimanrao Patil, Balaji Kalyankar, Sanjay Raimulkar, Ramesh Bornare, Eknath Shinde, Mahesh Shinde, Abdul Sattar, Sandipanrao Bhumre, Bharatshet Gogawale, Sanjay Shirsat, Yamini Jadhav, Lata Sonawane, Anil Bhabhar, Tanaji Sawant, Balaji Kinikar and Prakash Surve.

The meeting between Shiv Sena MPs (Anil Desai and Arvind Sawant) and Uddhav Thackeray is still underway. Meanwhile, Sanjay Raut has left Matoshree.

Stating that Monsoon and politics have uncertainty as a common factor, chief minister Uddhav Thackeray said that even though politics would go on the Government should not stop and the administration needs to concentrate on daily issues of common people. Thackeray held a review meeting with divisional commissioners, collectors, Commissioners of municipal Corporations, various departments of Mantralaya. Reviewing Corona situation, Kharif sowing, availability of fertilizers he directed to prepare for disaster management, preparations for annual Pandharpur pilgrimage and asked officials to rush to him in case of important work.

According to sources, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena is likely to remove Eknath Shinde, Ramdas Kadam (his MLA son Yogesh Kadam has become a rebel) and other such dicey names from the working committee list of the party.

The new working committee is likely to be formed, and a decision is expected tomorrow at the working committee meeting, sources said. 

This will be done to ensure the party or the symbol doesn't go to Eknath Shinde camp. After the new working committee is made, it will notified to the Election Commission.

In a meeting of Shiv Sena's rebel MLAs, they have planned to take a resolution to oust Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal. 
Action is being taken to prepare for the Motion with the signature of 46 MLAs of the rebel group, sources inform.

"Aaditya is a young leader. He should think, people have worked for Shiv Sena for a long time. I have implemented Balasaheb's dream in Konkan," Deepak Kesarkar, Shinde camp MLA, tells Republic on 'BJP bought rebels' claim

Shiv Sena MLA Bhaskar Jadhav on Friday asked party leader Sanjay Raut to communicate with the rebel legislators instead of "challenging" them.

Banners across Dadar of Sena rebel MLA Sada Sarvankar have been removed by Shivsainiks. Sada Sarvankar represents the Dadar constituency.

Maharashtra Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni has been called by Assembly Secretariat to seek legal opinion on the current political crisis which includes the disqualification of 16 rebel MLAs, as pleaded by Shiv Sena.

A high-level meeting is taking place in Matoshree between Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Sanjay Raut. The meeting is also attended by party MPs and contractors.

The meeting between NCP and Shiv Sena has concluded. Sharad Pawar and senior NCP leaders have Uddhav Thackeray's Matoshree residence.

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis to meet party allies starting from Saturday. RPI (Athawale) chief Ramdas Athawale to meet Fadnavis at his bungalow tomorrow at 11 am.

After two pro-BJP independent legislators wrote to Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal objecting to the proposed suspension of rebel MLAs, the Eknath Shinde camp has decided to move a resolution against Deputy Speaker.

Amid the political drama in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena has called a meeting of Mumbai corporators at 8 pm. Earlier, he had asked them to focus on BMC elections. Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray will attend the meeting virtually.

Amid the rebellion in Shiv Seva, a major meeting is taking place in Matoshree, the personal residence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. The party is exploring all options, including Uddhav's resignation as CM and BMC elections. MPs and corporators are also present inside Matoshree.

Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena has called for a meeting on Saturday at 1 pm of All Sena National Executives in Sena Bhavan, Mumbai.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut arrives at Matoshree, the personal residence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

According to reports, Sharad Pawar has suggested Uddhav Thackeray to quit as numbers are not in favour of MVA government.

With the crisis in Maharashtra politics constantly deepening, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Friday alleged that the BJP, in its attempt to make India "Opposition-free", is using "all resources and muscle power" to "oust" Uddhav Thackeray from power even since he assumed the office of the Chief Minister in Maharashtra.

However, Chowdhury said that the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in the state is "gradually earning the trust" of the people.

Speaking to ANI, the Congress leader said, "From the day Uddhav Thackeray took over as Maharashtra CM, BJP is using all its resources, and muscle power, with a single objective to oust him from power."

According to sources, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar could suggest Uddhav Thackeray to quit as Chief Minister of Maharashtra. 

"We have the constitutional right to form our own group and we must get recognition for that. No question of merging with anyone. This is related to Legislative Assembly, for us to be recognised as separate group and we hope Deputy Speaker will do at earliest, " rebel MLA Deepak Kesarkar said.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar reaches Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's residence `Matoshree' amid rebellion in Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ally Shiv Sena. 

Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Friday took a dig at Uddhav Thackeray's faction. Posters asking 'How does it feel?' have been put up by MNS.

Eknath Shinde on Friday consulted with prominent legal experts in Assam as the Uddhav Thackeray faction seeks disqualification of 16 rebel MLAs.

Shiv Sena workers on Friday vandalised the office of rebel MLA Mangesh Kudalkar, who is part of the Eknath Shinde's camp against Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, in Kurla

Shiv Sena MLA Chiman Rao Patil said that anti-defection will not apply to the Eknath Shinde camp as they have the support of almost 50 MLAs, including 38 from Sena.

Shinde camp MLA Chiman Rao Patil speaking to Republic said that the action taken by the Uddhav Thackeray faction won't be legal. "There can't be an order to come to Mumbai within 24 hours," he said.

Uddhav Thackeray has given a 24-hour ultimatum to rebel MLAs to return to Mumbai, warning disciplinary action.

Speaking to Republic, MLA Chimanrao Patil said that the Eknath Shinde camp can reconsider if Uddhav Thackery is open to tie-up with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In a new address, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has dared rebel leader Eknath Shinde to not use 'Balasaheb's name'. He also stated that 'without Sena and Balasaheb's name, they are nothing'.

'Loyal Shiv Sainiks are going to stay with me, whoever wants to go can go' Uddhav Thackeray told party workers while ruling out an alliance with BJP in the new address. He said that Shiv Sena can fight with even two people.

"Eknath Shinde's son is an MP from Shiv Sena, I did everything for him. The department I had was given to Shinde. But he is making several allegations against me. I did everything for Eknath Shinde," Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray told party workers.

Addressing the party workers virtually, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said that he could not meet leaders due to surgery and his bad health.

Earlier, rebel MLAs had claimed that they were stopped from entering 'Varsha', the official residence of the Maharashtra CM. 

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has denied involvement in the recent turmoil in Shiv Sena. Maharashtra BJP President said that no one has submitted a proposal to the BJP to come to power.

"NCP leaders will go to meet CM at 6.30 PM today at Matoshree (Thackeray residence). Our stand is the same as yesterday. We will try to keep the govt stable," said Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP leader Ajit Pawar.

In an address outside Sena Bhawan, Shiv Sena urged the rebel MLAs to return back to Mumbai. Sena leader Neelam Gorhe also said that Uddhav Thackeray is their leader.

Maharashtra's common people are with CM Uddhav Thackeray and MVA govt. Sharad Pawar said yesterday that we are together. It's impossible to break the MVA govt. I want to tell the Modi govt that Maharashtra will never bow down before Delhi and will fight till the end: NCP leader Vidya Chavan

Addressing the local pramukhs, Aaditya Thackeray said that rebels have betrayed Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray. He alleged that the rebels have left for money.

In a meeting with local Shiv Sena pramukhs, Maharashtra Chief Minister and Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said that he is ready to step down from the party's top position if they think he is incapable of holding it.

Assam BJP MLA Taranga Gogoi arrived at Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati. Rebel Maharashtra MLAs are staying at the hotel.

Speaking to Shiv Sena office-bearers, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray stressed that he was not giving up in the wake of the widespread desertion of party MLAs. He reportedly said, "I left Varsha and came to Matoshree. Some say I have given up the fight. I haven't given up the fight. In another emotional appeal, Thackeray was quoted as saying, "If I am incapable according to you to run this party, I am ready to step down as the Sena supremo". 

The Eknath Shinde camp is likely to send a fresh letter to Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal after more MLAs joined them. As per sources, the rebels claim to have the support of 40 Shiv Sena MLAs and 12 Independents. 

Deputy Speaker of Maharashtra Assembly approved Shiv Sena's proposal to appoint MLA Ajay Chaudhary as Shiv Sena legislative party leader in the state Assembly. A letter in this regard was sent to the Shiv Sena office secretary by the Deputy speaker's office.

Rebel MLAs welcomed Shiv Sena legislator Dilip Lande who was with Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray's camp until yesterday. As a result, the strength of the rebels propelled to 38. 

Two pro-BJP Independent MLAs- Mahesh Baldi and Vinod Agrawal wrote a letter arguing that Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal should not take action on the disqualification petitions filed by Shiv Sena in the spirit of constitutional ethics and morality. They cited that a resolution for the removal of the Deputy Speaker has already been submitted. 

Shiv Sena supporters threw black ink and eggs at a poster showing a picture of rebel MLA Eknath Shinde and also raised slogans against him, in Nashik.

Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Pravin Darekar wrote to Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari seeking his intervention as over 160 Government Orders have been issued in the last 48 hours amid the political crisis in the state. 

As per top sources in the Shiv Sena, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray has given 24 hours ultimatum to the rebel MLAs. He has asked them to return to Mumbai within this timeframe and do a one-to-one meeting. If they don't adhere to this, disciplinary action will be initiated against them. Sources revealed that no further talks will be held with them if they don't come to Mumbai within 24 hours. 

Shiv Sena's legal team has reached the Legislative Assembly. It demanded a decision on its demand for the suspension of 12 rebel MLAs. As per sources, it has also sought the disqualification of 5 more MLAs- Sada Sarvankar, Prakash Abitkar, Sanjay Raimulkar, Balaji Kalyankar and Ramesh Bornare. In a blow to the rebels, Deputy Speaker Narhari Jirwal accepted an application by the Sena appointing Sunil Prabhu as the Chief Whip.

Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah wrote to rebel Maharashtra Shiv Sena MLA Eknath Shinde and asked him to leave Assam at the earliest "in the interest of the state". In his letter, he said, "Assam defamed by your presence considering Guwahati as a safe heaven for MLAs who have no respect for constitutional values and loyalty at all."

Congress, Raijor Dal, Asom Jatiya Parishad, CPI and CPM will stage a protest outside the Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati between 12.30-1 pm. The Shiv Sena rebel MLAs led by Eknath Shinde are staying here at present. Meanwhile, a few RPI supporters have come to support Shinde. 
 

Coming down heavily on BJP citing its alleged involvement in the political crisis, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole remarked, "Eknath Shinde indirectly mentioned BJP yesterday. Despite the severe floods in Assam, their 'superpower' is busy managing the rebel MLAs. The height of shamelessness!"

BJP MLAs have started arriving at Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis' official residence 'Sagar' one by one. At present, Ashish Shelar, Girish Mahajan and Jaikumar Rawal are present inside. Speaking on the current political crisis, ex-Maharashtra BJP president and Union Minister Raosaheb Danve maintained that his party was not trying to destabilise the Uddhav Thackeray-led government. 

Raosaheb Danve said, "No Central minister is giving threats. BJP is not trying to destabilise the government. This is an internal matter of the Shiv Sena. BJP is only in wait & watch position."

Weighing in on the political crisis in Maharashtra, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale predicted, "Uddhav Thackeray's time is up. Most MLAs will go with Eknath Shinde (rebel Shiv Sena MLA) and he will form a government with BJP."

In an exclusive interview with the Republic Media Network, Maharashtra Minister Eknath Shinde stressed that his group of rebel MLAs represented the real Shiv Sena. Indicating that the MVA government is on the brink of collapse, he claimed to have the support of over 50 MLAs including Independents. Commenting on the Sena's application to Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal seeking the disqualification of 12 rebel legislators including himself, Shinde asserted, "We are real Shiv Sainiks of Balasaheb Thackeray. We are not afraid of anyone."

Amid speculation that his group will approach Governor Bhagat Singh Kishyari seeking a floor test, he revealed that a big decision will be taken after a meeting of the rebels is held today. 

Speaking to the media, Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut stated, "Eknath Shinde faction that's challenging us must realise that Shiv Sena workers are yet to come on the roads. Such battles are fought either through law or on the roads. If need be then our workers would come on the roads". He added, "Process underway to disqualify 12 MLAs (of Eknath Shinde faction), their numbers are only on the papers. Shiv Sena is a big ocean such waves come and go". 

Amid the ongoing political crisis, Shiv Sena called a meeting of the party's district presidents to be chaired by CM Uddhav Thackeray at Shiv Sena Bhawan, Mumbai at 12 pm, today.

Hitting out at Union Minister Narayan Rane, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut opined, "If he tries to save the government of Maha Vikas Aghadi, we will not let Sharad Pawar go home. A Union Minister gives a threat that we will block him on the way. If this is the BJP's official stance, it should be made clear. The government will survive or go..but in the case of Sharad Pawar, such language is not acceptable to Maharashtra."

60 corporators from Thane Municipal Corporation are supporting Eknath Shinde, sources indicated. Shiv Sena is in power in the Thane Municipal Corporation for the last three decades. As per sources, Shiv Sena was trying to get in touch with corporators in the wake of the upcoming local body polls but failed to contact 60 of them. 

As per sources, the strength of Shiv Sena MLAs in the Eknath Shinde camp is expected to cross 50 as more legislators are likely to reach Guwahati today. 

In an exclusive scoop, Shiv Sena MLA Dilip Lande is on the way to Guwahati to join the rebels led by Maharashtra Minister Eknath Shinde. Until yesterday, Lande was backing Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray. He is at Surat presently. 

Union minister Narayan Rane took on NCP chief Sharad Pawar, alleging that the latter was threatening rebel Shiv Sena MLAs, and said if anything happened to them in the Maharashtra Assembly, there will be consequences. Earlier in the day, Pawar said that the rebel MLAs led by Eknath Shinde who are camping in Guwahati will have to come to the Maharashtra Assembly eventually, and the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress government will win a trust vote despite the rebellion. Hitting back, Rane quipped, "There are some people who have a long history of rebelling from time to time. It is unbecoming (for such people) to issue unwarranted threats at an unsuitable age."

In a video message, rebel Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat remarked, "Many times in the past MLAs informed Uddhav Ji that whether it is Congress or NCP, both are trying to eliminate Shiv Sena. Numerous times the MLAs sought time from Uddhav Ji to meet him but he never met them. If you look at the constituency of any Shiv Sena MLA, from the Tehsildar to the revenue officer, no official is appointed in consultation with the MLA. We told this to Uddhav Ji many times but he never responded to it."

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray called a meeting at the Shiv Sena Bhawan in Mumbai at 12.30 pm. The Vibhag Pramukhs of the party have been asked to join the deliberations. This assumes significance amid the ongoing political crisis and the upcoming BMC polls. 

As per sources, 3 Shiv Sena and 5 Independent MLAs are likely to join the Eknath Shinde camp. Initially, they will go to Surat and then leave for Guwahati. 

NPP and TMC engaged in a war of words over Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma's visit to the Guwahati hotel where the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs are staying. At the outset, TMC's Meghalaya unit claimed that the NPP president had reached the city to further BJP's agenda. Maintaining that was a part of the BJP's purported strategy to destabilise the Uddhav Thackeray-led government in Maharashtra, it alleged, "democracy under this regime has no value". Hitting back at TMC, NPP clarified that Sangma stopped at the Guwahati hotel only to have tea before boarding his flight to another destination. 

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray's son and Minister Aaditya Thackeray came out of Matoshree at midnight to interact with the media.

Amid the political crisis in Maharashtra, ED's interrogation of Shiv Sena leader and Maharasthra Minister Anil Parab ended on Thursday. He was questioned for 6 hours in an alleged money laundering case. Parab is one of the handful MLAs supporting Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray. 

Clarifying rumours that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has arrived in Mumbai amid the ongoing political crisis, Congress communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh said, "There have been reports all day that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra reached Mumbai. She only transited through Mumbai to be with her daughter who turns 20 and is completing an instructor-level diving course in the Maldives. She is back on June 30."

Maharashtra Independent MLAs Kishor Jorgewar and Geeta Jain also reached the Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati.

Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde has written a letter to the Deputy Speaker of Maharashtra Assembly regarding the reaffirmation of his appointment as the leader of the Shiv Sena Legislature Party and further appointment of Bharatshet Gogawale as the Chief Whip of the party. The letter has the signatures of 37 Shiv Sena MLAs and a copy of the letter has been sent to Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal, Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, and Secretary to the Legislative Council Rajendra Bhagwat.

In a massive development, as many as 37 Shiv Sena MLAs have voted to appoint Eknath Shinde as Shiv Sena's legislative leader. The MLAs sent a signed resolution to Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal and Assembly Secretary appointing Eknath Shinde as party legislature leader. They have also established that Shinde has 2/3rd of Shiv Sena legislative party's support. Following this vote, Shinde could avoid the anti-defection law and thus a disqualification. 

Rebel camp leader Eknath Shinde on Thursday said that he will not be shared by Shiv Sena's disqualification notification against him and 11 others. He said that the whip is for assembly work and not for meetings.

Three MLAs from Shiv Sena and five independent will reach Gujarat's Surat tonight, ANI reported citing sources. From there, they are likely to head to Assam's Guwahati.

Shiv Sena seeks disqualification of 12 rebel MLAs including Mahesh Shinde, Abdul Sattar, Sandipanrao Bhumre, Bharat Gogavale, Sanjay Shirsat, Yamini Jadhav, Anil Babar, Balaji Devidasrao Kalyankar, Eknath Shinde, Tanaji Sawant, Prakash Surve and Latabai Chandrakant Sonawane.

"We have filed a petition before the Deputy Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and demanded that the membership of 12 MLAs should be cancelled as they didn't attend yesterday's meeting," Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant said.

According to sources, Shiv Sena leaders are meeting Maharashtra Deputy Speaker Narhari Jhirwal to disqualify 12 rebel MLAs. The application for the same has been prepared but not yet submitted to Dy Speaker.

Two more Shiv Sena MLAs Sanjay Rathod and Dadaji Bhuse and MLC Ravindra Phatak have reached the Radisson Blu hotel in Assam's Guwahati and met Eknath Shinde.

A meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah is underway at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. After the meeting ends, Amit Shah will meet former Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis.

Shiv Sena's newly-appointed Legislature Party leader Ajay Choudhari has written to the Deputy Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, demanding action against those MLAs who did not attend the Legislature party meeting, according to ANI sources.

"Hon'ble Sharad Pawar Saheb is threatening all of them, 'Come to the House and show it', they are about to come. They will come and vote according to their mind. It will be difficult to reach home if their hair is also pushed," BJP leader tweets Narayan Rane tweeted.

NCP president Sharad Pawar on Thursday said the fate of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra will be decided on the floor of the Legislative Assembly, and the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress coalition will prove its majority  in a trust vote.

Dadaji Bhuse, a Shiv Sena MLA from Malegaon Outer assembly constituency, has reached Guwahati to join the Eknath Shinde camp.

A meeting between Uddhav Thackeray, Aditya Thackeray,  Shiv Sena senior leaders of core group of the party, BMC's former mayor is underway. Sanjay Raut has not yet arrived but is expected shortly.

"Everyone knows how the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs were taken to Gujarat & then Assam. We don't have to take the names of all those assisting them...Assam Government is helping them. I don't need to take any names further," NCP chief Sharad Pawar says amid the crisis in MVA ally Shiv Sena.

"MVA decided to back CM Uddhav Thackeray. I believe once the (Shiv Sena) MLAs return to Mumbai the situation will change," says NCP chief Sharad Pawar in Mumbai.

As the crisis in Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ally Shiv Sena grows, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar reiterates "will work to save government."

"I will call CM and ask him why Sanjay Raut made such a statement. Did Raut give this statement only to bring back the rebel MLAs of Shiv Sena? I will discuss with CM on Sanjay Raut's statement," NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said.

"We stand with CM Uddhav Thackeray and will support him till the last moment... We have numbers for the government as no MLA of Shiv Sena has resigned nor Shiv Sena has expelled anyone from the party," said NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal after the party meeting in Mumbai.

According to sources, Shiv Sena MLC Ravindra Phatak has been accompanied by several BJP leaders of Mumbai. He is headed to Guwahati.

We will stand will Uddhav Thackeray Ji till the end. We are keeping an eye on the current political situation: NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar amid the political crisis in Maharashtra.

As the political crisis in Maharashtra rages, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will meet senior BJP leaders in Delhi.

As Eknath Shinde stakes claim, Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray has called an emergency meeting at 7 pm.

Eknath Shinde sends a letter to Maharashtra Assembly's Dy Speaker and ECI stating that his camp has the majority of Shiv Sena's Legislative party, sources say. Shinde currently has the support of 38 Shiv Sena legislators and seven independents.

As NCP is likely to break away from Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut says 'doors still open for talks'

Shiv Sena MLC Ravindra Phatak, who was sent to pacify Eknath Shinde, has turned rebel. According to sources, three more MLAs MLAs are on their way to Guwahati.

Growing troubles for Uddhav Thackeray, Mira Bhayander MLA Geeta Jain has left from Mumbai for Guwahati to join the Eknath Shinde camp, according to sources.

According to sources, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is likely to break away from Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) amid the political crisis in Maharashtra. 

Amid the political crisis in Maharashtra, NCP president Sharad Pawar on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting with party MLAs.

"We want justice for Uddhav Thackeray and all. Today (BJP) you are in power and using money, muscle, and mafia power. But one day you have to go. Someone can break your party too. This is wrong and I don’t support it, " West Bengal CM on Maharashtra political situation.

"Instead of Assam, sent them (rebel MLAs) to Bengal. We will give them good hospitality...After Maharashtra, they will topple other governments also. We want justice for people, constitution," she added.

According to sources, Maharashtra Congress is unhappy with Shiv Sena over its exit from Maha Vikas Aghadi remark. 

Sanjay Raut hinted that his party is ready to exit the Maha Vikas Aghadi government if the rebel MLAs are willing for it.

Amid the political crisis in Maharashtra, the Congress on Thursday said it does not want to interfere in Shiv Sena's "internal matter" but asserted confidence in Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

The Congress, which along with the NCP shares power in the Uddhav Thackeray-led dispensation in Maharashtra, also expressed confidence that the BJP's attempt to "topple a stable government" will not succeed.

According to the sources, a new government could be formed in Maharashtra by Friday as two camps have been formed in Shiv Sena.

Sanjay Raut has also hinted that his party is ready to exit Maha Vikas Aghadi government if the rebel MLAs are willing for it.

Amid the political crisis in Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Thursday said that the NCP is capable of working as an opposition. He also called the recent crisis an internal matter of Shiv Sena.

"In MVA, we still think Uddhav Thackeray ji as our leader. If Sanjay Raut's comments are true then they can discuss it with Sharad Pawar ji. No one is stopping them." he added.
 

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has reached Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati, where Eknath Shinde and other rebel Shiv Sena leaders are staying. 

According to sources, the Eknath Shinde camp said that they are ready for talks if Uddhav Thackeray resigns as Chief Minister and breaks the alliance with NCP and Congress.

"Won't believe in assurances given by Uddhav Thackeray camp," the rebel leaders said, sources informed.

Ajit Pawar arrives at YB Chavan Centre for a meeting of party MLAs over the ongoing political developments in Maharashtra. Party chief Sharad Pawar will also attend the meeting.

On Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut's statement that Shiv Sena is mulling stepping out of MVA, NCP leader Jayant Patil says, "They may have thought of something and said it. We will speak to them. They have not said anything to us directly. We won't comment on it yet".

"We will stand firmly with CM Uddhav Thackeray Ji till the end. We will try our best to save this government," NCP leader Jayant Patil said ahead of NCP meeting amid ongoing political crisis.

Leaving Varsha and going to Matoshree is Uddhav Thackeray's personal decision, says NCP Maharashtra president and state cabinet minister Jayant Patil.

Two Shiv Sena MLAs of the rebel Eknath Shinde camp - Deepak Vasant Kesarkar and Ashish Jaiswal - leave Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati. They are going to Kamakhya Temple.

NCP leaders Praful Patel,& Jayant Patil arrive at YB Chavan Centre for a meeting of party MLAs over the ongoing political developments in Maharashtra. Party chief Sharad Pawar will also attend the meeting.

"Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi is a government established for the development and welfare of Maharashtra. We will stand firmly with Uddhavji Thackeray till the end," tweets NCP leader Jayant Patil. 

Amid the political crisis in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday said that the Shiv Sena is ready to come out of the MVA government if the rebel MLAs are willing for it.

"MLAs should not communicate from Guwahati, they should come back to Mumbai and discuss all this with CM. We are ready to consider exiting out of MVA if this is the will of all MLAs, but for that, they have to come here and discuss it with the Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray," said Raut.
 

"We're with them (Shiv Sena) to stop BJP from coming to power. This game is happening due to ED...Congress is ready for Floor test. We are with MVA and will remain. If they (Shiv Sena)want to form an alliance with anyone, we don't have a problem," Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole said.

Amid the political crisis in Maharashtra, Congress, which is part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, has called an emergency meeting at 4 pm.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday said the party is ready to walk out of alliance with Maha Vikas Aghadi,  a coalition of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress, but asked rebels to return in 24 hours.

After Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut alleged that some lawmakers had been kidnapped and taken to Guwahati, the Eknath Shinde camp denied the charge. They release a new picture which shows MLAs smiling.

In a press conference, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said that Uddhav Thackeray will continue to be the chief minister. He also assured that Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government will win with the majority if the floor test happens.

"While Uddhav Thackery is not present in the Varsha (the official residence of Maharashtra Chief Minister) but media is standing outside it because you know that he is the chief minister and he will be the chief minister," Raut said.

In a new twist, Shiv Sena Secretary and Lok Sabha MP Vinayak Raut claimed that 18 Shiv Sena MLAs who went to Surat and Guwahati with Eknath Shinde have contacted the party.

Addressing a press conference, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut alleged that party MLAs were kidnapped and taken to Surat. To buttress his point, MLAs Kailas Patil and Nitin Deshmukh narrated their version of how they escaped the rebel camp led by Eknath Shinde. Patil told the media, "We were trapped and taken to Surat, I walked a kilometre to run away from there. We will not ditch Shiv Sena which has made us MLA". 

Reaching out to the rebels, Raut added, "MLAs should not communicate from Guwahati, they should come back to Mumbai and discuss all this with CM. We are ready to consider exiting out of MVA if this is the will of all MLAs, but for that, they have to come here and discuss it with the CM." 

As per sources, only 13 MLAs went present at Matoshree- Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray's residence. Here is the list: 

1. Aaditya Thackeray 

2. Ajay Choudhari

3. Ravindra Waikar

4. Rajan Salvi 

5. Vaibhav Naik 

6. Nitin Deshmukh 

7. Uday Samant 

8. Sunil Raut 

9. Sunil Prabhu 

10. Dilip Lande

11. Rahul Patil 

12. Kailash Patil

13. Santosh Bangar

Republic TV accessed the group photograph of all rebel legislators including 35 Shiv Sena and 7 Independent MLAs backing Maharashtra Minister Eknath Shinde.

Taking to Twitter, Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole stated, "Congress is not opposed to Uddhav Thackeray remaining the CM. Congress will support whatever decision is taken by Uddhav Thackeray regarding the CM post in MVA."

"More MLAs coming to Guwahati, we are looking to prove the numbers tomorrow," Deepak Kesarkar from Eknath Shinde camp told Republic TV. 

BJP put up a poster, which reads "Goddess Mauli, may your blessings continue to be upon us and Devendra ji come to offer prayers to you in Pandharpur, after becoming the CM." Here are visuals from Aurangabad.

Taking to Twitter, Maharashtra Minister Eknath Shinde shared a letter written by rebel MLA Sanjay Shirsat which brought to the fore the grievances within Shiv Sena. 

Speaking to the media, Maharashtra Minister and state NCP chief Jayant Patil remarked, "I don't think the Floor Test stage has been reached. Whatever stage we reach, we will speak about it then." 

Here is the list of MLAs present in Radisson Blu Hotel: 

• Shiv Sena MLAs 

Mahendra Morre
Bharat Gogawal
Mahendra Dalvi
Anil Babar
Mahesh Shinde
Shahaji Patil
Shambhuraje Desai
Dayaraj Chougule
Ramesh Bornare
Tanaji Sawant
Sandipan Bhumre
Abdul Sattar
Prakash Surve
Balaji Kalyankar
Sanjay Shirsat
Pradeep Jaiswal
Sanjay Raimulkar
Sanjay Gaikwad
Eknath Shinde
Vishwanath Bhoir
Shantaram More
Sriniwas Vanga
Parkash Abhitkar
Chimanrao Patil
Suhas Kande
Kishorappa Patil
Partap Sarnaik
Yamini Jadhav
Lata sonawane
Balaji kinikar
Gulabrao Patil
Yogesh Kadam
Sada Sarvankar
Deepak Kesarkar
Mangesh Kudalkar

• Independents & others:

Rajkumar Patel, Prahar Sanghatan
Bachchu Kadu, Prahar Sanghatan
Narendra Bhondekar ( Ind) 
Rajendra Patil Yadavkar(Ind)
Chandrakant Patil(Ind)
Manjula Gavit(Ind) 
Ashish Jaiswal (Ind)

As per sources in the Eknath Shinde camp, the rebels have enough numbers to be recognised as the main faction of Shiv Sena. Sources indicated that they will use the whip (Bharat Gogavale) to force Aaditya Thackeray and other MLAs also now to vote according to their line. In case they don't follow the line, they might face action. Eknath Shinde is likely to show the strength of MLAs supporting him at 2 pm.

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray will hold a meeting with the secretaries of different Ministries at 12.30 pm via video conferencing. Meanwhile, Minister Subhash Desai has reached the CM's 'Matoshree' residence. 

In the meeting at Silver Oak', NCP supremo Sharad Pawar informed his top party leaders to be prepared for a floor test, sources revealed. He also asserted that NCP will continue to back Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray to the hilt. As per sources, NCP is hopeful that some of the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs could change their mind after returning to Mumbai. There was also a discussion on Thackeray's statement that he is ready to step down in favour of any other Shiv Sainik MLA. 

Leaders of the NCP arrived at the residence of party chief Sharad Pawar for a meeting.

Members and workers of the Assam unit of TMC are protesting outside the Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati where rebel Maharashtra MLAs, including Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde, are staying. Party's state president Ripun Bora is leading the protest here.

Speaking to the media, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut claimed that 20 rebel party MLAs are in contact with them. Maintaining that the party is not finished if MLAs leave, he also revealed that Nitin Deshmukh and Kailash Patil- two legislators who returned from the rebel camp will hold a press conference today. When asked about Eknath Shinde's demand to snap ties with NCP and Congress, Raut asked the media to watch his earlier speeches where he spoke against BJP. 

Republic TV accessed visuals of Maharashtra Minister Eknath Shinde meeting new rebel Shiv Sena MLAs who arrived at the Guwahati hotel. MLAs Deepak Kesarkar and Mangesh Kudalkar are seen in the picture. 

In an exclusive scoop, Republic TV accessed the list of MLAs who are supporting Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray. As per sources, only 16 Shiv Sena legislators are backing Thackeray. They are: 

• Aaditya Thackeray

• Chimamrao Patil

• Rahul Patil 

• Santosh Bangar 

• Vaibhav Naik 

• Sunil Raut 

• Ravindra Waikar 

• Sunil Prabhu

• Dilip Lande 

• Prakash Phaterpekar 

• Sanjay Potnis 

• Ajay Chaudhary 

• Kailash Patil 

• Bhaskar Jadhav 

• Rajan Salvi 

• Uday Samant

As per sources, a total of 7 MLAs will reach Guwahati from Surat at 10 am. This includes Kurla MLA Mangesh Kudalkar, Mahim MLA Sada Sarvankar, Ramtek MLA Ashish Jaiswal and Sawantwadi MLA Deepak Kesarkar. Meanwhile, Eknath Shinde shall meet the rebel MLAs around the same time. Earlier in the morning, three MLAs arrived at the Radisson Blue Hotel in Guwahati amid growing political instability in Maharashtra. 

At present, a meeting is underway between Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar at the latter's Silver Oak residence in Mumbai. Pawar will later chair a meeting at the YB Chavan Centre at 11 am. Minister Jitendra Awhad has also joined the deliberations. 

A number of banners surfaced in Thane supporting rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde. One such banner read, "We congratulate Eknath Shinde who practices the Hindutva ideology of Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray and taking forward the teachings of Dharmaveer Anand Dighe. Saheb, go ahead. We are with you!"

Speculating about BJP's role in the Maharashtra political crisis, Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi president Prakash Ambedkar remarked, "Is it true that BJP has put a condition on Eknath Shinde that they should merge with BJP and then only the government will be formed?" This comment comes amid the BJP's refusal to get directly involved in the crisis arising out of the rebellion in Shiv Sena. 

6 rooms have been booked at the Le Meridien hotel in Surat again. 3 MLAs of Shiv Sena have reached here and are likely to be flown to Guwahati soon. As per sources, leaders of the Maharashtra BJP are present inside the hotel too. Meanwhile, three more Sena MLAs-Sada Sarvankar, Mangesh Kudalkar and one female legislator have reached Guwahati. 

Besides Shiv Sena MLAs, Eknath Shinde is also getting a lot of support from party parliamentarians. Sources informed Republic TV that around 17 MPs are in touch with Shinde. Already, Thane MP Rajan Vichare and Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde are in Guwahati. Moreover, Washim MP Bhawna Gavli, Palghar MP Rajendra Gavit and Ramtek MP Krupal Tumane have expressed their support to Shinde over the phone.

Sena MLA Nitin Deshmukh, who was in Surat with Eknath Shinde, now has reached Mumbai to meet CM Uddhav Thackeray. While he was in Surat, he was later shifted to a hospital. Subsequently, he came back to Nagpur in the support of the Maharashtra CM. 

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray has called for an important meeting in Matoshree at 11.30 am. Senior Shiv Sena leaders have been asked to attend the meeting. This comes as the MVA government is on the brink of collapse. 

Fresh visuals of Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde along with other MLAs at Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati last night, after 4 more legislators reached the hotel.

Shiv Sena's troubles are far from over as ED has summoned Maharashtra Parliamentary Affairs and Transport Minister Anil Parab in a money laundering case on Thursday. He has already been questioned for the last two days. The probe is linked to the alleged violation of coastal regulation zone provisions in the construction of Sai resort in the Dapoli beach area of Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district. On Wednesday, the Minister left the central agency office around 10.30 pm. Parab is one of the handful MLAs backing the Sena.

Taking a dig at his predecessor, Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan remarked, "Kamal Nath has gone to Maharashtra... how will someone who couldn't save his own government in Madhya Pradesh, save the Maharashtra government?... Congress is counting its last moments."

In a massive political development on June 21, senior Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and at least 10 other party MLAs went incommunicado and went to a 5-star hotel in Surat. At present, Shinde holds the portfolios of Urban Development and PWD (Public Undertakings) in the Uddhav Thackeray-led government in Maharashtra. Sources indicated that these leaders are miffed with the Sena and are in touch with BJP. This assumes significance in the wake of several Shiv Sena MLAs cross-voting for BJP in the recently concluded MLC polls. 

The rift in Shiv Sena comes in the wake of the BJP managing to get its 5th candidate elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Council on June 20 despite not having enough numbers. The election to 10 seats was necessitated by the retirement of 9 members- NCP's Ramraje Naik Nimbalkar and Sanjay Daund, Pravin Darekar, Sujitsinh Thakur and Prasad Lad of BJP, Shiv Sena's Subhash Desai and Diwakar Raote, Vinayak Mete and Sadabhau Khot and the demise of BJP MLA RN Singh. A contest was on cards between BJP and Congress for one seat was on the cards as the former fielded an extra candidate. 

While BJP's Darekar Ram Shinde, Uma Khapre and Shrikant Bharatiya, NCP's Nimbalkar and Eknath Khadse and Shiv Sena's Sachin Ahir and Amshya Padvi won on the bases of the first preference votes, a tough fight ensued between the Congress candidates and BJP. Though Mumbai Congress president Bhai Jagtap won finally, Devendra Fadnavis' close aide Lad emerged victorious leading to the defeat of Congress' first-choice candidate Chandrakant Handore. 

At noon on June 21, Shiv Sena supremo Uddhav Thackeray called a meeting at his residence in Mumbai in which only 19 MLAs including Aaditya Thackeray participated. Subsequently, Eknath Shinde was replaced as the Legislative Party leader by MLA Ajay Choudhari- an indication that the Sena is unwilling to accept any demands of the rebels. While Shiv Sena secretary Milind Narvekar and party MLC Ravindra Phatak met Shinde seeking a truce, the latter reportedly insisted that the party should ally with BJP once again. 

In the wee hours of June 22, Shiv Sena MLAs led by Eknath Shinde reached Guwahati via a chartered flight. After arriving at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Shinde stated, "40 Shiv Sena MLAs are present here. We want to take forward Balasaheb Thackeray's Hindutva and his position. I don't want to comment or criticise anyone". 

Later in the day, he told ANI, Shinde told ANI, "Right now we have 46 MLAs with us, including 6-7 Independent MLAs. The rest of them are Shiv Sena MLAs. This number will rise in the time to come. As of now we have neither received any proposal from BJP nor are we holding any talks with them."

Despite facing a major rebellion, Shiv Sena called an emergency Legislative Party meeting at Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray's official residence 'Varsha' in Mumbai at 5 pm on Wednesday. Mentioning that the purpose of the meeting was to address the situation arising out of an attempt to destabilise the government, Shiv Sena chief whip Sunil Prabhu mandated the participation of all party MLAs failing which disqualification proceedings will be initiated against them. This development assumed significance amid speculation that the Maharashtra CM was contemplating resignation. 

34 rebel MLAs of Shiv Sena signed a resolution under the leadership of Eknath Shinde, expressing their discontent with the party, and demanding to retain Shinde as leader of the Shiv Sena Legislature party. Copies of the letter were sent to the Governor, the Deputy Speaker and the Vidhan Sabha secretary. The MLAs reaffirmed that "Eknath Shinde, who was appointed as the Leader of the Shiv Sena Legislature Party on 31.10.2019, is and continues to be the Leader of the Maharashtra Shiv Sena Legislature Party of the 14th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly."

In the resolution letter, the rebel MLAs stated, "There has been great dissatisfaction prevalent amongst the members of our party viz. Shiv Sena and our party Cadre at large, on account of corruption in the Government, administration regarding police posting, corruption by then Home Minister Mr. Anil Deshmukh (who is in Jail), and sitting Minority Minister Mr. Nawab Malik (who is also in jail for involvement with Underworld Don Dawood Ibrahim). Apart from the above reasons our party Cadre faced tremendous harassment and distress on Political as well as personal grounds from the Opposition."

Cornered by his own party men and dwindling numbers, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said that he is 'ready to resign' from his post. Delivering an impassioned address via a Facebook live, Uddhav Thackeray expressed his dismay over his 'own people' turning against him and stated that he is ready to tender his resignation on one condition - that his fellow Shiv Sainiks face him and make the demand in person.

"We were in Opposition to the Congress and NCP for 25-30 years. But I am grateful that both Congress and NCP are supporting me today, they are saying we will stand by you. But it's my own people working with me for ages that are now questioning me. I am ready to resign as the Chief Minister and as the Shiv Sena chief if my own MLAs want it," proclaimed the CM. Later on Wednesday night, he left his official residence 'Varsha' and shifted to his personal residence 'Matoshree'. Meanwhile, hundreds of his supporters gathered in a show of strength. 

Breaking his silence on the Maharashtra CM's appeal, Eknath Shinde maintained that only NCP and Congress have benefited in MVA at the expense of Shiv Sena. Taking to Twitter, he added, "It is essential to get out of the unnatural front for the survival of the party and Shiv Sainiks. Decisions need to be taken now in the interest of Maharashtra."

As per sources. NCP chief Sharad Pawar advised Uddhav Thackeray to make rebel minister Eknath Shinde the next CM. This came barely an hour after Pawar, Supriya Sule and Jitendra Awhad arrived at the Maharashtra CM's residence following his Facebook Live. Moreover, sources indicated that a total of 6 Shiv Sena MLAs are on the way to Guwahati to join the rebels. This includes legislators such as Sada Sarvankar and Mangesh Kudalkar.