EXCERPT: From demanding narco test for Narwekar to calling it the ‘murder of democracy’ Congress and UBT Shiv Sena faction reacted vociderously against Speaker ruling on ‘real’ Shiv Sena.
In a stunning turn of events, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar delivered a verdict on Wednesday, declaring the Eknath Shinde faction as the true Shiv Sena, triggering a political earthquake that reverberated through the corridors of power.
The ruling came as a severe blow to the Uddhav Sena and its MVA partner, the Congress, prompting Chief Minister Shinde to take a sharp dig at those who “run political parties through dynasties.” The long-standing feud between the two factions reached its climax as Speaker Narwekar, in a detailed analysis, unveiled his decision in favor of the Shinde faction.
“The removal of Eknath Shinde by Uddhav Thackeray in June 2022 is not accepted based on the Shiv Sena Constitution,” Speaker Narwekar asserted, pointing out the discrepancies in the leadership structure and questioning the validity of the 2018 amendments. The Speaker’s ruling was a culmination of cross-petitions filed by both factions seeking the disqualification of rival MLAs after the split in the party in June last year.
The Shiv Sena, under the leadership of Eknath Shinde, faces allegations of violating the party constitution, with Speaker Narwekar stating that the 1999 constitution provided by the Election Commission of India serves as the valid constitution for determining the real political party.
However, the decision was met with strong opposition and accusations of bias. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday said the ruling was “not at all surprising”.
“People in the government, including Chief Minister Shinde, had on several occasions spoken about what sort of decision would be coming and it shows they had an inkling about the verdict (going in their favour) and that assurance got reflected in their statements,” Pawar said.
“The Speaker took a completely different stand from that of the Supreme Court and this makes it a very good case for Sena (UBT) in the Supreme Court,” he said.
“Citing this verdict, we can explain to people how power can be misused, and we will start soon,” Pawar further said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi labeled the Speaker’s ruling as “unfortunate and against the Constitution of India,” asserting that the people of Maharashtra would respond to what she considered a sin committed by the Election Commission of India and the Speaker.
Former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray echoed these sentiments, condemning the verdict as a “murder of democracy” and an insult to the Supreme Court’s decision. Rajya Sabha member Kapil Sibal went a step further, characterizing the entire process as a “play scripted long ago.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed deep disappointment, stating that the Speaker’s decision was “unfortunate and against the Constitution of India.” She asserted that the people of Maharashtra would respond to what she deemed a “sin committed by ECI and the Speaker.”
The fallout from the Speaker’s decision is not confined to the political arena.
The editorial in ‘Saamana,’ the mouthpiece of Shiv Sena (UBT), accused Speaker Narwekar of trampling upon the constitution and delivering a pre-decided order. It claimed that recognizing the Shinde faction as the “real” Shiv Sena amounted to dishonesty with Maharashtra.
Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut expressed disappointment, stating that the Speaker acted as Shinde’s advocate and accusing him of “match-fixing.” Raut announced that the party would approach the Supreme Court, alleging that Narwekar had disregarded the 2018 constitution presented before the highest court.
UBT faction MLA Nitin Deshmukh has demanded a narco test of the speaker. “Narvekar has given verdict on expected lines. His narco test will reveal all the conspiracies of the ruling party,” Deshmukh said.
“I am content with the Speaker’s thoroughly reasoned and legally sound verdict in this matter. There should now be no lingering doubts about Maharashtra maintaining a stable government that will serve its full term,” stated Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis.
Addressing the allegations from the Thackeray faction against Narwekar, Fadnavis remarked, “Those lacking an understanding of the law and unwilling to abide by it continue to make such accusations.
These are the same individuals who would level allegations even against the Supreme Court if the verdict does not favor them. Therefore, it doesn’t surprise me that they are casting doubt on the Speaker’s decision.”
Following the Speaker’s bombshell ruling, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took a pointed swipe at the Uddhav Sena and its MVA partner, the Congress. Shinde labeled the verdict as a “shock” to those who “run political parties through dynasties.” In a vehement defense of the decision, Shinde stated that it marked the triumph of truth and democracy, emphasizing the importance of majority rule in a democracy. The Chief Minister’s words underscored the intensity of the power struggle within the party, with celebrations erupting among Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers.
As the political drama unfolds, Maharashtra finds itself at the crossroads of a constitutional crisis, with the Shiv Sena torn between factions, allegations of impropriety, and a deeply polarized political landscape. The implications of this ruling extend far beyond the party’s internal strife, casting a shadow on the democratic processes that govern the nation’s political fabric.