Maharashtra Political Crisis: Eknath Shinde-Led Rebels Name Their Group ‘Shiv Sena Balasaheb’

Maharashtra Congress leader Ashok Chavan expressed his ire over formation of the new group formed by Shinde-led camp.

Eknath Shinde. (File Photo)

New Delhi: The rebel MLAs led by Eknath Shinde named their group as ‘Shiv Sena Balasaheb’ at a meeting held in Assam’s Guwahati on Saturday. Rebel Shiv Sena MLA Deepak Kesarka told this to Asian News International (ANI). This comes as the Shiv Sena MLAs backing Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has pressed for the disqualification of the rebel legislators from the assembly.

Maharashtra Congress leader Ashok Chavan expressed his ire over formation of the new group formed by Shinde-led camp.

“Until it gets legal authorization from Speaker, such type of groups will not be authorised,” the news agency quoted Chavan as saying.

Earlier in the day, Shinde alleged the Maha Vikas Aghadi government had withdrawn the security cover provided to his family and those of the other MLAs camping with him in Guwahati.

Shinde alleged malicious withdrawal of security cover to the family members of the MLAs.

He tweeted the letter addressed to Thackeray, Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil, Director General of Police (DGP) Rajnish Seth and all the Police Commissioners.

“That we are current sitting MLAs, however, the security provided to us at our residence as well as to our family members as per the protocol has been illegally and unlawfully withdrawn, as an act of revenge. Needless to mention, this sinister move is another attempt to break our resolve and arm twist us to give into the demands of the MVA government comprising the NCP and INC goons,” Shinde said in the letter.

The Maharashtra Home Minister has, however, denied Shinde’s claims and said allegations being levelled to this effect are “mischievous and false”.

“Neither the Chief Minister nor the Home Department has ordered the withdrawal of security of any MLA. The allegations being levelled through Twitter are false and completely baseless,” he said.

Earlier on Friday, Thackeray hit out at Shinde and the other dissident Shiv Sena MLAs. He accused them of betrayal and challenged them to try and wean away common party workers.