NCP MLAs Disqualification Highlights: Speaker Narwekar Rejects Disqualification Bid By Sharad Pawar Faction Against Ajit
NCP MLAs Disqualification Highlights: Follow this live blog for updates from the Maharashtra Assembly, where Speaker Rahul Narwekar is set to announce his verdict on the disqualification of NCP MLAs.
Background
NCP MLAs Disqualification Highlights: Hello and welcome to this space brought to you by ABP Live. Follow this live blog for all the latest updates coming straight from the Maharashtra Assembly where Speaker Rahul Narwekar is all set to announce his verdict.
The Maharashtra Assembly speaker is poised to announce his decision on Thursday (February 15) regarding the disqualification petitions lodged by the two factions within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) as directed by the Supreme Court.
Following the Election Commission of India's (ECI) verdict in favour of rebel leader Ajit Pawar, granting him the party name and symbol, the Sharad Pawar faction was permitted an independent identity for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, now known as NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).
Now faced with two distinct groups recognized by the ECI, the speaker is tasked with determining the validity of disqualification petitions filed against each other, with the potential consideration of recognizing the whip, akin to the Shiv Sena case.
After the rebellion led by the Ajit Pawar group, which saw the swearing-in of nine ministers in July 2023, the Sharad Pawar faction filed disqualification petitions against all nine. Subsequently, two more disqualification petitions were filed against 20 and 11 MLAs. In September 2023, the Ajit Pawar group retaliated by filing disqualification petitions against 10 members of the Sharad Pawar group.
"At present, no whip has been issued since the separation of the two groups, indicating no disorderly conduct by any MLA. Additionally, the ECI has granted distinct identities to both sides. Moreover, disqualifying anyone would likely garner public sympathy. Considering these factors, disqualification petitions are anticipated to follow a similar path as the Shiv Sena case," stated a leader from NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).
In its conclusive order on February 7, the ECI relied on the majority test within the party's legislative wing to resolve the dispute that emerged in July of the preceding year. According to the order, the total number of MPs, MLAs, and MLCs within the NCP was 81, with 57 supporting Ajit Pawar and 28 supporting Sharad Pawar. However, five MLAs and one Lok Sabha MP submitted affidavits supporting both factions. Even excluding these six, Ajit Pawar's faction maintained majority support, as per the order.
In the case of Shiv Sena, Narwekar had determined that the faction led by Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde represented the authentic Shiv Sena, rejecting disqualification petitions filed by both sides against each other.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Slams Speaker's Verdict, Accuses Misuse Of Power
'Turning Democracy Into A Joke': Aaditya Thackeray Criticises Speaker's Ruling
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray takes to X (formerly Twitter), slamming Speaker Rahul Narwekar's decision, suggesting it turns democracy and constitutional values into a stand-up comedy act.
The speaker, in role of the tribunal should try stand up comedy.
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) February 15, 2024
He seems to be great at making a big joke of the democracy and constitutional values we uphold. https://t.co/q1sAxSZVpE
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