Uddhav Sena seeks disqualification of rebel MLAs, files petition before Speaker
India Today
The Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray has filed a petition before the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker seeking disqualification of rebel MLAs.
Shiv Sena has filed a disqualification petition with newly elected Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar against the rebel MLAs over alleged violation of their party's directive.
Sena factions, led by Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, had issued separate whips to party legislators to vote in favour of their respective candidates during the Speaker's election on Sunday.
The group led by CM Shinde voted in favour of BJP's Rahul Narvekar as the Speaker, while 16 MLAs from the Thackeray-led camp voted against him. Narvekar, who polled 164 votes, defeated Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena candidate Rajan Salvi, who got 107 votes. The Shiv Sena has 55 MLAs in the House.
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After the election, Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray met Speaker Rahul Narwekar and submitted a disqualification petition against the rebel camp MLAs.
Last month, Shinde launched a rebellion against the party. The majority of MLAs sided with him, which led to the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA-comprising the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress) government led by Uddhav Thackeray.
Shinde was on Thursday sworn in as the 20th chief minister of Maharashtra, while BJP stalwart Devendra Fadnavis took oath as the deputy CM. Shinde will face a floor test to prove majority tomorrow.
