Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde on Wednesday hailed the decision as a triumph for democracy, stating that truth and majority prevailed. In response to the Speaker's much-anticipated ruling in the 2022 case, Shinde stated that a party chief's personal opinion cannot represent the views of the entire organisation.
"It is 'Satyamev Jayate'. Truth has won...This result has been given on merit. Majority is very important in democracy and hence the decision given by the Speaker today is the victory of democracy," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
He further said that the order sends a message that no party is "private limited property" and is opposed to autocracy and dynastic politics.
Shinde stated that numbers are important in a democracy, and that his Shiv Sena was ahead of the rival faction led by former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
According to a PTI report, he also mentioned that the Shiv Sena's name and poll symbol have been assigned to his party by the Election Commission of India.
Shinde described the Speaker's order as a victory for those who supported the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance, as well as Shiv Sainiks who adhere to the ideals of party founder Bal Thackeray.
"It is also a victory of the Constitution and democracy," he further said, as reported by PTI.
Taking a dig at his rival and predecessor Thackeray, the CM stated that the verdict is a lesson for those who trample on ideals and form unnatural alliances.
Speaker Narwekar, reading out his ruling on disqualification petitions filed by the Shinde-led Sena and the rival group led by Thackeray against each other's MLAs, stated that when the party split in June 2022, the Shinde-led faction was the'real' Sena.
The Speaker also stated that no MLA from the rival Sena factions is being disqualified.
DY CM Fadnavis Says 'Maha Government Will Filfil Its Tenure' After Speaker's Ruling
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also expressed confidence on Wednesday that the current state government would serve its complete term following the assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar's recent ruling favouring Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in the Shiv Sena disqualification case.
"I assure you, this government will fulfil its tenure," stated Fadnavis in response to the Speaker's awaited decision, as reported by PTI. With assembly elections looming later this year in Maharashtra, Fadnavis extended his congratulations to Shinde and fellow cabinet members.
Highlighting the formation of the government in 2022, Fadnavis emphasised that both constitutional and legal protocols were diligently followed during the alliance between the BJP and Shiv Sena, according to the report. This adherence, he believed, solidified the government's stability and strength.
Additionally, Fadnavis referenced a Supreme Court judgement on petitions related to the Shiv Sena split, noting that the court did not find grounds to order the government's dismissal. Addressing current speculations, Fadnavis expressed concern over attempts by certain individuals to create political instability through misinformation, as reported by PTI.