Tensions flare in Maharashtra politics amid accusations and legal battles

In a potentially volatile scenario, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, a leader of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), warned on Tuesday that the continued insults from Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray towards Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Home Minister Amit Shah could incite a law and order issue in Maharashtra.
Bawankule held a press conference expressing his dismay at Thackeray’s harsh words against Fadnavis. He labelled Thackeray, a former chief minister himself, as a “tainted person,” and dared him to continue his verbal attacks. The BJP leader warned of staging protests, insinuating a potential escalation of the political unrest.
Bawankule lauded the efforts of Fadnavis, who served as Maharashtra’s chief minister from 2014 to 2019, and criticised Thackeray’s leadership. He warned that if Thackeray persists with his disrespectful comments, it could destabilise the law and order situation in the state, for which BJP would not take responsibility.
In an earlier gathering, Thackeray stirred controversy by calling Fadnavis a “taint” on Nagpur, accusing him of hypocrisy for allying with the NCP, despite previous claims to the contrary. This remark led to BJP supporters protesting against Thackeray and staging a mock funeral procession in the Sitabuldi area.
Meanwhile, in Mumbai, legislative complications have arisen with the Shiv Sena (UBT) approaching the Supreme Court for expeditious adjudication on disqualification petitions against 16 of their MLAs, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Speaker Narwekar, however, insisted that the court cannot impose a decision timeline, arguing that the judiciary and legislature are distinct democratic bodies.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Sunil Prabhu initiated the plea, accusing Speaker Narwekar of intentional delay in adjudication, despite the apex court’s verdict from May 11, urging swift resolution.
Narwekar highlighted the unprecedented nature of the political happenings in Maharashtra and stated that he has no specific guidelines on dealing with such a situation. He also maintained that decisions will be made following the chronology of petitions, without favouring any particular petition.
On May 11, the Supreme Court ruled that Eknath Shinde would remain as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, adding further complexity to the ongoing political saga. The court could not reinstate the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition government led by Uddhav Thackeray since Thackeray resigned without a floor test amid Shinde’s rebellion.
Narwekar confirmed that notices have been issued to 40 MLAs of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and 14 from Thackeray’s faction, requiring their responses on disqualification petitions. The Speaker indicated that hearings on these petitions would commence soon.
Thackeray’s recent comments suggested that he is prepared to return to the Supreme Court if the Speaker does not adhere to the court’s previously outlined framework. The ensuing developments could determine the future course of Maharashtra’s political landscape.