Maharashtra News: Eknath Shinde camp moves Supreme Court; pleads hearing on urgent basis

The series of fiery tweets by the rebel MLAs of Maharashtra continued on Sunday, with Eknath Shinde citing the thoughts of Hindutva of Balasaheb Thackeray, who he referred to as 'Hindu Samrat'. Taking to a microblogging site, Twitter, Shinde said that to 'save' Balasaheb's Shiv Sena, even if the rebel MLAs would have to die, it would be better. The rebel camp leader said they would consider it their 'destiny'.

"How can Balasaheb's Shiv Sena support people who had a direct connection with culprits of the Mumbai bomb blast, Dawood Ibrahim and those responsible for taking lives of innocent people of Mumbai. This is a step in Opposition to this...Better yet, take us all to the brink of death, " he tweeted, tagging Sanjay Raut, who had earlier in the day made some provocative statements against the MLAs. 

With the political crisis in Maharashtra deepening, Republic learned that the Governor of the state Bhagat Singh Koshyari will give consent to appoint a Speaker for the Legislative Assembly in the next 48 hours. The post of Speaker in the Assembly fell vacant after Nana Patole stepped down following his appointment as the state president of the Congress and to elect his successor, an election will take place on the floor of the House. 

This is how the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi stacks up, officially, Shiv Sena has 55 MLAs, Nationalist Congress Party 53 and Congress 44. Two NCP MLAs Anil Deshmukh and Nawab Malik are currently in jail in connection with money laundering cases. The BJP has 106 MLAs and the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi has three in the House. The Samajwadi Party, AIMIM and Prahar Janshakti party have two MLAs each. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, Communist Party of India-Marxist, Peasants and Workers Party, Swabhimani Party, Rashtriya Samaj Paksha, Jansurajya Shakti Party and Krantikari Shetkari Party have one MLA each. Then there are 13 independent legislators which make up the remaining numbers.

In the face of a rebellion, as 50 MLAs- 38 from Shiv Sena, two MLAs of Prahar Jan Shakti Party and 11 independent MLAs are away from Maharashtra, the ruling Maha Vikas Adhadi would not have the numbers. This is working in favour of the BJP, which, with adequate numbers, will comfortably bring in a Speaker from the party. 

Republic TV learnt that as soon as the Speaker is elected, the rebelling MLA, including Eknath Shinde will return to Maharashtra. 

After the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs camp moved Supreme Court challenging the ouster of Eknath Shinde, and the subsequent appointment of Ajay Choudhary as Shiv Sena Legislature Party leader, Republic learnt that Advocate Ravi Shankar Jandhyala has been appointed to represent the Deputy Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly. 

In the wake of political turmoil in Maharashtra, Home Minister of the State Dilip Walse Patil confirmed that there has been no major incident of disruption of law and order on Sunday. Taking to the microblogging site, Twitter, the Nationalist Congress Party leader further confirmed that 'adequate security' has been provided at the office and residence of all the rebel MLAs who are presently in Guwahati, adding that at no point time, their security was withdrawn, as is being claimed. 

Earlier in the day, the Maharashtra Governor  Bhagat Singh Koshyari received a complaint from 38 MLAs of Shiv Sena, 2 MLAs of Prahar Jan Shakti Party and 7 independent MLAs stating that the security cover has been 'illegally and unlawfully withdrawn'. In the complaint, they had raised serious concerns about the safety of their homes and families in the context of provocation and threatening statements made by certain political leaders. 

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari addressed a letter to Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla. In the letter dated June 26, Governor Koshiyari highlighted that despite directions having been issued to the state police to provide adequate police protection to the rebel MLAs on an immediate basis, offices and homes of some of them have been vandalised with the police being a 'mute spectator'. 

Addressing the media, Aaditya Thackeray said, "On May 20, CM Uddhav Thackeray called Eknath Shinde & asked him to become CM, if he wanted to become so, but at that time, he did drama & started weeping. Just a month after, he broke into rebellion.

But they (Shinde faction) aren't capable of doing so, this isn't rebellion, this is separatism. They took undue advantage of CM Uddhav Thackeray's ill-health to do all of this."

Republic learnt that the rebel camp has moved Supreme Court challenging the removal of Eknath Shinde and the appointment of Ajay Choudhary as Shiv Sena Legislature Party leader by the Deputy Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly. 

Maharashtra's Bhandara MLA Narendra Bhondekar's birthday celebrated at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati in the presence of rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and other MLAs. 

With the MVA government on the brink of a collapse, Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut in another fiery address claimed that there is a 'conspiracy unfolding' against Maharashtra. "They want to break Maharashtra into three parts," said Raut, adding that though 56 years old, Shiv Sena is still young and will fight back. 

As the Maha Vikas Aghadi stands on the brink of a collapse in Maharashtra, one of the partners in the alliance, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) exuded hope that things would look up. Speaking to the media, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar said that the MLAs are presently housed in Assam's Guwahati, but once they make their way back to Maharashtra, they would be asked to vote. Things will be clear then, as per the leader.  

"It will be clear that the government under Uddhav Thackeray will continue," the veteran said, adding that his party's, as well as that of Congress' full support, is with the Shiv Sena. Earlier in the day, a meeting of the three alliance partners was held in Mumbai. Taking place at Sharad Pawar's Silve Oak residence, the meeting had in attendance Congress' Balasaheb Thorat and Ashok Chavan, Shiv Sena's Anil Parab and Anil Desai, on the rebellion by MLAs led by Eknath Shinde. 

In the wake of the vandalism and outrage amid Maharashtra political turmoil, Republic Media Network learnt that Governor of the state Bhagat Singh Koshyari wrote to the state Director-General of Police, Rajnish Seth as well as to the Police Commissioner of Mumbai Sanjay Pandey on June 26. Through the letter, Governor Koshyari has directed the police to provide security cover to all the rebel MLAs.

The direction comes acting on the complaint from 38 MLAs of Shiv Sena, 2 MLAs of Prahar Jan Shakti Party and 7 independent MLAs stating that the security cover has been 'illegally and unlawfully withdrawn'. "They have also raised serious concerns about the safety of their homes and families in context of provocation and threatening statements made by certain political leaders. Already, offices and homes of some of the MLAs have been vandalised with police being mute spectators," Governor Koshyari noted.

Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar reacted to the ongoing political crisis in Maharashtra highlighting that all MLAs have been taken to Assam. "When all of them will be back, and voting will be held. Then this thing will be clear that Uddhav Thackeray can run this govt," Pawar said. 

In a video message accessed by Republic Media Network, Prakash Abitkar said, "The news by local media house about a quarrel among MLAs in Guwahati, which mentions my name too, is totally false. Don't trust such news."

ANI reported that a meeting of the Eknath Shinde camp is underway in Guwahati. Eknath Shinde has assured everyone that all MLA's families will be given central security. Discussion held on how to reach Mumbai safely, to stake a claim for forming govt in next 2 days and also on legal aspects

First visuals of Shiv Sena MLA Uday Samant en route to Guwahati have been accessed by Republic. 

Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant while briefing the media said that legal action has been initiated, and the rebel MLAs have been served notice. "If you want to hear the authenticity of what is being told by us- Supreme court senior advocate Devdutta Kamat Ji is with us..He will answer you in detail," Sawant said. 

Proceedings have been initiated by Shiv Sena, confirmed Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat.  "Under the 10th schedule of the Constitution, the concept of two-third applies only to mergers. Till today there is no merger," the Senior Advocate said. 

Republic learnt that rebel ministers Eknath Shinde, Gulabrao Patil, Dada Bhuse, and Shambhuraj Desai are set to lose their portfolio as Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray is likely to take action against them. 

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari has written to the  Mumbai CP and state DGP asking them to provide security to the MLAs who are camping in Guwahati with Eknath Shinde. The move comes a day after Shinde claimed that the security of 15 MLAs had been withdrawn by the Maharashtra government. 

Meanwhile, the Centre today granted Y+ security to 15 rebel MLAs staying at the Radisson Blu hotel. 

As per sources, Shiv Sena MLA and sitting minister Uday Samant has flown to Guwahati amid a political crisis in Maharashtra. He is likely to join the 50-strong breakaway faction led by Eknath Shinde. He will be flying to the Assam capital from Surat. 

Amid the tussle with the rebel faction, Maharashtra Minister Aaditya Thackeray declared that Shiv Sena's symbol will always remain with the party. Thackeray claimed that the Shinde camp is running out of options and they have no choice but to merge with BJP.

"If Eknath Shinde really followed Balasaheb, he would have said upfront that he wants to become Chief Minister. But he went to Surat and then to Assam. Several Ministers who have left the state will face action. The CM has the right to act against them," said Maharashtra Minister Aaditya Thackeray at a party program in Kalina.

He also slammed the Central government for providing security to the rebel MLAs, saying that CRPF security should have been given to Kashmiri Pandits.

Accusing the BJP of attempting to break  Shiv Sena, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole alleged that the saffron party was giving "Rs 50 crores each to the rebel MLAs." He also questioned the Centre's move to provide security to the Sena MLAs, who are currently camping in Guwahati. 

Supporters of rebel MLA Tanaji Sawant vandalized the vehicle of a Shiv Sena leader in Maharashtra's Beed.

A meeting of the Eknath Shinde faction has begun in Guwahati hotel to discuss further strategies and legal aspects. Another important meeting could be held later today, reported ANI, citing sources. 

A day after the Maharashtra government allegedly revoked the security of Shiv Sena MLAs camping in Guwahati, the Central government granted Y+ security to 15 rebel leaders. On the approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the CRPF has been tasked to provide security to the Maharashtra MLAs.

The 15 leaders include Ramesh Bornare, Mangesh Kudalkar, Sanjay Shirsat, Latabai Sonawane,Prakas Surve, Sadanand Saranavnkar,Yogesh Dada Kadam,Pratap Sarnaik, Yamini Jadhav, Pradeep Jaiswal, Sanjay Rathod, Dadaji Bhuse, Dilip Lande, Balaji Kalyanar and Sandipan Bhumare.

The rebel Shiv Sena MLAs are likely to challenge the appointment of Ajay Choudhary as the party's legislative assembly leader in court. Shinde faction has stated such a move requires the support of at least 37 MLAs. Similarly on the same ground, they may demand disqualification of MLAs with Uddhav Thackeray's party. 

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, who was discharged from the hospital after COVID-19 recovery, reached the Raj Bhavan today. The 80-year-old was on Wednesday admitted to a private hospital in south Mumbai after testing positive for Coronavirus.

According to sources, the rebel camp led by Eknath Shinde is like to seek more time from the deputy speaker to respond to the disqualification plea. The faction is further likely to move court against the removal of Shinde from the post of Legislative Leader in the Maharashtra Assembly. On Friday, the Deputy Speaker had sent notices to 16 rebel MLAs, asking them to respond by Monday evening.

We will definitely save MVA. They have no courage to return to Mumbai. They have many fathers. Our father is one - Balasaheb Thackeray - their father is in Delhi, Nagpur, and many places, said Sanjay Raut, targetting the Shinde camp amid the political crisis.

Bodies are floating in Assam due to floods and the MLAs are partying in the hotel, said Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, slamming the rebel leaders. Raut also claimed that he has been trying to book 20 rooms in the Radisson Blu hotel where the MLAs are camping, but was denied booking.

Shiv Sena MP Anil Desai, Maharashtra minister Balasaheb Thorat and senior Congress leader Ashok Chavan arrived at NCP Supremo Sharad Pawar's Silver Oak residence on Sunday for a crucial meeting amid a political crisis in the state. As per sources, Anil Desai will give all details regarding the resolutions passed in Shiv Sena's National Executive Committee meeting to Pawar today.

Maharashtra rebel leader Eknath Shinde is likely to hold a meeting with all rebel MLAs at 12 PM today. Earlier on Saturday, the Deputy Speaker had issued a disqualification notice to 12 Sena MLAs at the party's request. They are expected to file their response by 5 PM on Monday.

Maharashtra Minister Aaditya Thackeray said on Saturday that many Opposition leaders including West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and Congress President Sonia Gandhi called CM Uddhav amid the political crisis. "We're ready to fight again if you've to power to fight without Shiv Sena. We won't let traitors win at any cost now...after this incident," he challenged the rebels. 

Alleging that the 38 rebel MLAs are leading a luxurious life at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati, Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray said, "Some 15-20 people who are in touch, they say how money is spent...8-9 lakh per day is the bill of food. It is such a shameful act, they went to a state which is now flood-affected...Rather than helping that state, they are more interested in staying in a hotel, spending 8-9 lakhs per day on food."

What appeared like a warning to rebel Shiv Sena MLAs camping in Assam, Sanjay Raut tweeted the photo of Maharashtra Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal on Sunday, along with the caption, "Kab tak chhipoge Guwahati mein? Aana hi padega Chowpatty mein."

Rebel MLA Deepak Kesarkar, who is a part of the Eknath Shinde camp denied the role of the BJP behind their revolt. 

“No party is paying for our expenses (of hotel accommodation), our leader Eknath Shinde called us and we came and stayed here (Guwahati hotel); will pay the expenses. BJP isn’t behind all of this,” the lawmaker said.

The rebel MLA further demanded recognition for their faction ‘Shiv Sena Balasaheb’ and warned of going to court if it is not done.

Assam Minister Ashok Singhal arrived at Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati late Saturday night, to meet rebel Maharashtra MLAs, including Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde.

Former Thane Mayor and Shiv Sena leader Naresh Mhaske resigned as the party's Thane District Chief on Saturday. In his resignation letter, Mhaske alleged that the party is being "strangulated" by its alliance with NCP. It is unclear whether Mhaske will join the rebel ranks in Guwahati. 

If, and when the rebel MLAs led by Eknath Shinde form a government in Maharashtra, they may head to Ayodya to seek the blessings of Lord Rama, sources informed Republic. 

Thane and Palghar NCP chief and coordinator Anand Paranjpe on Saturday hit back at Shrikant Shinde, Kalyan Lok Sabha MP and son of Shiv Sena rebel Eknath Shinde, for alleging that the NCP had discriminated in allotting development work funds.

Shinde had made the claim while addressing a rally of supporters of his father here earlier in the day.

Paranjpe, who was a Shiv Sena MP from Kalyan several years ago before crossing over to the NCP, said Shinde's allegations against the NCP and its supremo Sharad Pawar were baseless.

At an event of the Shiv Sena that had in attendance Sachin Ahir, Arvind Sawant, Aditya Thackeray, Kishori Pednekar, Sunil Shinde, Ajay Choudhary among others,  Bhaskar Jadhav said, " Uddhav Thackeray has taken an oath under the constitution. He said openly in the house that I am Hindutva Vadi  and he has said this in front of Congress and NCP." 

"Some say BJP was our natural alliance party, but  I will tell you. Shiv Sena is the party that took Hindutva ahead and not BJP," he added. 

In the face of political turmoil engulfing Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena staged a grand show of strength through a mega rally in Mumbai, packaging it as the 'roar of true Hindutva' on Saturday. In the absence of COVID-infected Uddhav Thackeray, his son and a Minister in the state cabinet, Aaditya Thackeray hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party, saying that 'everyone was eyeing Mumbai, Maharashtra'.

Having said that, he acknowledged that the Opposition was not responsible for the present state of affairs, and highlighted how their 'own people' brought them doom. Recalling the time when the Thackerays vacated the Varsha Bungalow, the official residence of the Chief Minister, Aaditya said, "While coming back to Matoshree, the CMO staff was crying, there were tears in the eyes of the police. The people were teary-eyed."

As the Shiv Sena stages a grand show of strength through a mega rally in Mumbai, packaging it as the “roar of true Hindutva”, rebel group leader Eknath Shinde tweeted saying 'this fight is for the Shiv Sainiks'.

The booking of Guwahati's Raddison Ble, where the rebel MLAs are housed in, has been extended for two days. The booking till June 28, has now been extended till June 30, informed sources. 

Rebel leader Eknath Shinde shared a video of MLA Chimanrao Patil. "We have been struggling with the Congress for the last 30, and NCP after its establishment. We had a traditional struggle with the Congress-NCP and will continue to do so," the MLA can be heard saying in the video. 

The protesters of Uddhav Thackeray protested against Eknath Shinde and company. Gathered in large numbers with placards bearing texts in support of the Chief Minister, the protesters have been raising slogans against the rebel camp. 

Republic learnt that all legal routes are being looked into for the Sena-BJP merger. There was a meeting between Eknath Shinde and a top leader of Delhi BJP, earlier today, said sources. 

In an exclusive conversation with Republic, Shinde camp's spokesperson Deepak Kesarkar said, "We are Shiv Sena, we are elected on Shiv Sena symbol, and we remain as Shiv Sena. We are more than 2/3rds. They are trying tricks. We are from land of Sai Baba. We have enough patience, victory will be ours." 

Republic learnt that on June 24, at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport a chartered flight left at 11.30 and returned at 6 am in the morning. It was Eknath Shinde onboard, confirmed top sources. 

The banners of Eknath Shinde, the leader of the emerging faction of Shiv Sena, were blackened by the supporters of the Uddhav camp in Boisar, Maharashtra. 

The spokesperson of the Shinde camp, rebel Shiv Sena MLA Deepak Kesarkar said, "There's no need to merge, our faction will be given different recognition and we aren't merging with any other party." 

Briefing the media, Deepak Kesarkar refuted the claims being made about the Shinde camp that they were trying to hijack the Shiv Sena." We are Shiv Sena people only. If anyone, it is the Nationalist Congress Party & then Congress, that has hijacked the party," he said. 

The Shiv Sena meeting was followed by the meeting of its faction led by Eknath Shinde. Post the media, Deepak Kesarkar of the Shinde faction said, "We are with Shiv Sena only...No one can say Shiv Sena is over, we still feel that Uddhav Ji will listen to us."

Shiv Sena youth wing's meeting has been scheduled at 5 p.m. on June 26. Sena Bhawan has been fixed as the venue for the meeting. 

As per Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, six resolutions were passed in the National Executive Committee meeting chaired by Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray today. 

Resolution 1:  Marathi Asmita

Resolution 2: Uddhav Thackeray has been authorized to take all decisions of the party

Resolution 3: Strict action will be taken against the rebel MLAs

Resolution 4: No one will have the right to use the name of the late Balasaheb Thackeray

resolution 5:  Shiv Sena will lead on Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology.

Resolution 6: Legal action will be taken against those who don't follow the ideology 

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut briefed the media on the executive committee of the party held earlier in the day. The Indian politician said that 6 resolutions have been passed in the meeting.

Republic learnt that Shiv Sena supremo Uddhav Thackeray, along with Aaditya Thackeray, Sanjay Raut, Anil Desai and Vinayak Raut is holding a closed-door meeting. This comes after the executive committee meeting held earlier in the day.   

As the rebellion in the MVA government in Maharashtra deepens, Republic Media Network learnt that the Eknath Shinde and company have been served notice. Notice copy accessed. 

Post the executive committee meeting, Shiv Sena has written to the Election Commission of India to not allow the breakaways faction of the party led by Eknath Shinde to use the name of the party or the founder of the party, Balasaheb Thackeray. Earlier in the day, rumour mills were abuzz that the breakaway faction is likely to  identify themselves as 'Shiv Sena - Balasaheb Thackeray.'

A meeting of the Eknath Shinde group is underway at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati. The next course of action is being discussed in the meeting. 

As per sources, three resolutions were passed in the National Executive Committee meeting chaired by Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray today. 

• Uddhav Thackeray has been authorized to take all decisions of the party

• Strict action will be taken against the rebel MLAs

• No one will have the right to use the name of the late Balasaheb Thackeray

Maharashtra Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal sent a notice to 16 rebel Shiv Sena MLAs on the disqualification application filed by the party. They have been asked to reply to the notices by 5 pm on Monday. 

In a massive development, the no-confidence motion against Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal filed by the Eknath Shinde group has been rejected. As per sources in the Legislative Assembly, the letter seeking the removal of the Deputy Speaker was sent via a random email address and no MLA submitted it in the office. Moreover, another reason for rejection is that there were reportedly no original signatures on the letter. 

In a press note, the Mumbai Police revealed that it is ramping up police presence at offices of all political parties, Ministers, MLAs and important corporators. Indirectly referring to the violence by Shiv Sena workers, it stressed, "Instructions have been given to ensure that no party can take law into its own hands, indulge in violence and put up objectionable posters and banners". Moreover, directions have been given to ensure that prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC should be observed in Mumbai.

Yuva Sena chief and Maharashtra Minister Aaditya Thackeray arrived at the Shiv Sena Bhawan for party's national executive committee meeting.

Speaking to the media after a key meeting, Congress leader and Maharashtra Minister Balasaheb Thorat said, "Today in the meeting, we had a discussion about the current situation. Our people are working on the situation. MVA government is working and will continue to work. Our government is not in minority. Our party's legal team from Delhi also helping us."

His Cabinet colleague and ex-CM Ashok Chavan opined, "MVA doesn't support violence. There is anger amongst loyal Shiv Sainiks who've expressed their anger with their local MLAs who have shifted their loyalties. It's not a law and order situation. It's quite normal." 

A massive crowd gathered outside Shiv Sena Bhawan in Mumbai as Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray arrived to chair the party's National Executive meeting amid dwindling numbers and political crisis.

Weighing in on the current political crisis, Amravati MP Navneet Rana said, "I request Amit Shah to provide security to families of MLAs who are leaving Uddhav Thackeray and making their own decisions, staying connected with Balasaheb's ideology. Uddhav Thackeray's goondaism should be ended...I request for President's Rule in state". 

Banners have been put up in support of Eknath Shinde in Mumbai by the Maratha Yuva Maharashtra Parishad amid the Maharashtra crisis.

Speaking to the media after meeting ex-Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, RPI chief and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said, "MVA govt is in minority now. They have no right to take any action and MLAs (Shinde camp) shouldn't be suspended. They have a 2/3rd majority. This is 'dadagiri' and Uddhav Thackeray must be stopped. We support Eknath Shinde."

Assam Shiv Sena president Ram Narayan Singh wrote to Eknath Shinde requesting him to return to the party fold. In the memorandum, Singh urged him to follow the role of 'Bharat' of Ramayana. 

Union Minister and Republican Party of India president Ramdas Athawale and other BJP leaders arrive at the residence of Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai.

As per sources, the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs are likely to coin a name for their group. They are likely to identify themselves as Shiv Sena- Balasaheb Thackeray. 

As per sources, the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs will continue staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati until their legal status as MLAs is cleared. This comes as Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal has initiated the proceedings for the disqualification of 16 MLAs. At present, a meeting is underway with Eknath Shinde and other MLAs at a meeting hall in Guwahati. They are unlikely to leave Guwahati until the legal process is over, sources added. 

An important meeting of Congress Ministers and leaders is being held at the residence of Maharashtra Minister Balasaheb Thorat at 12.30 pm today. 

Speaking to the media ahead of the party's National Executive Committee meeting, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut remarked, "We'll sit together at meeting, discuss party's expansion, and its future. Party is very big, & cannot be hijacked with such ease. It's been made with our blood. Several sacrificed to make it. No one can break it with money:". He added, "We are sure once (rebel) MLAs come back to Mumbai, they'll return to our side again. I would advise Devendra Fadnavis (BJP leader) to not get involved in this matter, and save whatever is left of his dignity. We'll see each other in elections". 

He also claimed, "During our meeting last night in the presence of Sharad Pawar, we received a call from 10 (rebel) MLAs... Come to the floor of the House, and we will know who is stronger.," 

BJP will have a crucial meeting at 5.30 pm today.  All MLAs, MPs and office bearers from Mumbai have been asked to be present. Devendra Fadnavis might not be present. While BJP is insisting that it is a regular meeting, it is linked to the present political situation. 

Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil denied that he or the CM has ordered the withdrawal of the protection of any MLA in the state.

Shiv Sena workers vandalised the office of the party's MLA Tanaji Sawant in the Balaji area of Katraj, Pune. Sawant is one of the rebel MLAs from the state and is currently camping in Guwahati, Assam.

In view of the ongoing political instability in the state, the Thane District Administration has issued an order banning any kind of political procession, gathering or sloganeering in the district till June 30. Thane Police has currently imposed Sec 144 CrPC in Thane city.

In a letter addressed by all 38 rebel Shiv Sena MLAs to Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray, Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil, DGP Rajnish Seth and all Police Commissioners, they complained that the security provided to them at their residence and family members has been withdrawn as an "act of revenge". Demanding the immediate restoration of the security cover, they warned that Thackeray, his son Aaditya, NCP Sharad Pawar and MVA leaders will be held responsible if any harm were to come to their family members. 

In another key development, Eknath Shinde has called for a meeting of the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs at 2 pm. As per sources, the group will appoint a spokesperson who will regularly speak to the media on the next course of action. 

Speaking to the media, Sawantwadi MLA Deepak Kesarkar revealed that the rebel camp has sufficient numbers but they are awaiting official recognition of their group. He is likely to be appointed as the spokesperson of the Eknath Shinde-led camp. An official announcement in this regard is likely to be made at 2 pm. 

In a letter addressed to Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, activist Ajay Mathankar complained that a whopping 238 Government Resolutions have been issued from June 20-24. He contended that the Ministers of the MVA government have issued several orders as they may have to resign from the government at any time. He urged the Governor to intervene and direct the Chief Secretary to annul the GRs which are not in the public interest.

The core committee meeting of BJP's Mumbai unit will take place at 11 am today. It will review the organizational situation amid the political turmoil in the state. Mumbai BJP president Mangal Prabhat Lodha, MLAs Ashish Shelar, Atul Bhatkhalkar, Amit Satam and other prominent leaders will be present at the meeting. 

In another embarrassment for Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray, Bhaskar Jadhav- an MLA backing him, lashed out at Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut. Coming down heavily on Raut for his harsh approach vis-a-vis the rebels, he advised him to initiate a dialogue with them. Acknowledging that many concerns of the Eknath Shinde camp are genuine, the former Maharashtra Minister highlighted that most Sena MLAs were peeved at NCP and Congress bagging important ministries at the expense of the Uddhav Thackeray-led party. 

Speaking to the media, Shiv Sena MLA Bhaskar Jadhav remarked, "Sanjay Raut is a very tall leader of ours. He is the chief spokesperson. I am not as big a leader to advise him. Even then I tell Sanjay Raut politely, that this is not the time to give a challenge. This is the time to unite. Why is he giving a challenge all the time? When do you give a challenge to your own people? You will have to give a challenge but at the right time. You shouldn't give a challenge thinking that everything is over."

"It is time to uncover why the MLAs are upset. It is time to understand whether their disgruntlement is true or false. It is time to address this displeasure. Increase dialogue instead of giving challenges to each other. Our differences will vanish if we increase dialogue. I feel that the family can become united again if dialogue increases," he added. 

As per sources, Maharashtra Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal is likely to send notices to 16 rebel Shiv Sena MLAs on the disqualification petition filed by the Uddhav Thackeray-led party. Sources also indicated that the hearing may happen from coming Monday, June 27. They will have to appear in person for the hearing. 

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 Babar

• Tanaji Sawant

• Balaji Kinikar

• Prakash Surve.

Speaking to the media, Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant remarked, " Some people are hiding in Guwahati after leaving Shiv Sena. They have claimed that we are the real Shiv Sena. The party supremo and CM Uddhav Thackeray said yesterday that you should come back. By leaving the Varsha bungalow, he proved that he can leave the post and he is not greedy for it. He went to Matoshree. But people who speak lies continued to behave differently and closed the doors for themselves. They are in such legal trouble that they have to leave Shiv Sena and go with BJP. Because as per the law, when 2/3rd members split, they can't form a separate group. They will have to merge." 

"The letter is not from any MLA. They may have signed it. But it wasn't sent from any of their emails. We told the Deputy Speaker that action should be taken against them. We hope that action will be taken against them in the coming 4 days," he added. 

In a massive political development on Tuesday, senior Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and multiple other party MLAs went incommunicado and went to the Le Meridian hotel in Surat. This came in the wake of several Sena MLAs cross-voting for BJP in the MLC polls. Subsequently, 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.

The problem compounded for the MVA as the rebel MLAs moved further away to Guwahati in the wee hours of Wednesday. Though rumour mills were abuzz that the MVA government will recommend the dissolution of the Assembly, no such proposal was discussed in the Cabinet meeting held later in the day. Meanwhile, 34 MLAs signed a resolution retaining Shinde as the Legislative Party leader and appointed Bharat Gogawale as the new Sena chief whip. 

In a Facebook Live session thereafter, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray offered to resign provided even one Shiv Sena MLA comes back to Mumbai and makes such a demand in face-to-face interaction. Despite this emotional appeal, Shinde refused to budge and insisted that Shiv Sena should leave MVA. Yesterday night, Thackeray left his official residence 'Varsha' to move into Matoshree and was greeted by hundreds of supporters. 

In an exclusive interview with the Republic Media Network on June 24, 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 Maharashtra 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. A day earlier, 37 Shiv Sena MLAs signed a resolution retaining Shinde as the Legislative Party leader after he was replaced by Ajay Choudhari. As 2/3rd of the Shiv Sena Legislative Party is now with the Thane leader, the anti-defection law is unlikely to apply to these MLAs who are currently holed up in a Guwahati hotel. 

Amid fast-paced political developments in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena escalated its crackdown on the rebels and sought the disqualification of 4 more rebel legislators on June 24. These MLAs are Chimanrao Patil, Balaji Kalyankar, Sanjay Raimulkar and Ramesh Bornare. Earlier, the Sena submitted an application to Maharashtra Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal seeking the disqualification of 12 legislators- Eknath Shinde, Mahesh Shinde, Abdul Sattar, Sandipanrao Bhumre, Bharatshet Gogawale, Sanjay Shirsat, Yamini Jadhav, Lata Sonawane, Anil Babar, Tanaji Sawant, Balaji Kinikar and Prakash Surve.

In another emotional address to Shiv Sena office-bearers, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray accused BJP of trying to break Shiv Sena. Speaking on the Eknath Shinde camp, Thackeray said, "Those who left us have no option but to go to BJP. The BJP wants just one thing - to finish Shiv Sena. BJP wants to finish this thought process because BJP does not want any partner in the Hindu vote bank. Today they do not have any option but to go with BJP. Even if they establish a separate group, that group cannot be divided. That is why they do not have any other option but to join the BJP".

The Shiv Sena supremo added, While talking about MVA allies, the Maharashtra CM said, "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."

In a bid to save his party amid the rebellion led by Minister Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray has called a meeting of the national executive committee at 1 pm. While the meeting will be held at the Sena Bhawan, the CM will chair the meeting via video conferencing. 

Eknath Shinde had a three-hour-long deliberation with a renowned legal expert on the possibilities of disqualification and the constitutional provisions in place. Sources told Republic TV that the Shinde camp has now decided to move a resolution for the removal of Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal. Earlier, two pro-BJP independent MLAs wrote a letter to Zirwal, asking him not to initiate action against the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs, who are camping in Guwahati. Citing provisions under the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, they stated that members must be given 7-days' time to submit a reply to the petition for disqualification.