Numbers speak for themselves: Eknath Shinde’s son on Shiv Sena majority tussle

Shrikant Shinde, Shiv Sena MP and Eknath Shinde's son, said the numbers speak for themselves as the two factions of the party claim a majority in the party.

Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde on Saturday said the numbers speak for themselves after 12 MPs shifted their allegiance to the Shinde faction from the Uddhav Thackeray camp. He added that two-thirds of the legislators in the state and 12 out of 18 MPs gave their support for his father, Eknath Shinde.

The two factions of the Shiv Sena are currently at loggerheads about claiming the party’s symbol for themselves as each say that they have the majority. Earlier, the Election Commission of India asked both Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde to submit documentary evidence to prove that they have the majority members in the Shiv Sena.

ALSO READ | Prove majority: Poll body in Thackeray vs Shinde fight over Sena, symbol

Shrikant further said no action will be taken towards the remaining ministers as the court will take the final decision on the party’s future. Several petitions are pending before the Supreme Court concerning the disqualification of MLAs from the Shinde factions.

He also said Shiv Sena leader and former minister Arjun Khotkar who was with the Uddhav faction had breakfast with him on Friday. “It gives a clear indication,” said Shinde.

Arjun Khotkar said he will announce his decision on the future course of action tomorrow. “Whatever happened in the state, it shouldn’t have happened. But let’s focus on the future now,” said Khotkar.