Sena Vs Sena: Sanjay Raut Terms Speaker's Verdict As 'BJP Conspiracy', Says Will Move Supreme Court

The verdict on Shiv Sena MLAs disqualification declaration prompted swift reactions from top Shiv Sena (UBT) including Sanjay Raut, Aaditya Thackeray, and Priyanka Chaturvedi.

File Photo: Top Shiv Sena Leaders, Aaditya Thackeray (L), Sanjay Raut (C) & Uddhav Thackeray (R).

Source : Getty Images

Vidhan Sabha Speaker Rahul Narvekar on Wednesday (January 10) announced that Shiv Sena would not be aligning with the Shinde group. This declaration prompted swift reactions from top Shiv Sena (UBT) including Sanjay Raut, Aaditya Thackeray, and Priyanka Chaturvedi. In a video posted by news agency ANI on X, Raut said, "This is BJP's conspiracy & this was their dream that one day we would finish Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena. But Shiv Sena won't finish with this one decision. We will go to the Supreme Court". 

#WATCH | Maharashtra Assembly Speaker rules Shinde faction the real Shiv Sena | Shiv Sena (UBT faction) leader Sanjay Raut says, "...This is BJP's conspiracy & this was their dream that one day we would finish Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena. But Shiv Sena won't finish with this… pic.twitter.com/GhFzNhIjrA

— ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2024

Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar issued his decision on the cross-petition filed by both factions of the Shiv Sena seeking the disqualification of each other's MLAs. In a setback for the Uddhav Thackeray camp, he discovered that the faction led by Eknath Shinde was the genuine Shiv Sena. The Shiv Sena, founded by Bal Thackeray, split in 2022 following a rebellion by the Shinde group.

Aaditya Thackeray, leader of the Thackeray faction, expressed disappointment due to the unexpected decision from Narvekar, stating that there were prior arrangements, he said in an X post. He further revealed that he was deeply affected by Narvekar's move, even shedding tears during the discussion, the post read further. 

Never seen a more shameless verdict of the tribunal that has murdered democracy.

It is evident that the regime of gaddars are against the constitution given to us by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.

They want to re write the constitution to finish democracy.

Today the verdict has…

— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) January 10, 2024

"The Speaker's decision raised questions about the party's allegiances, leadership structure, and legislative committee's views. The Shiv Sena's decision, which was not reflected in the Election Commission's records, was emphasised by the Speaker. Narvekar clarified that his announcement confirmed Shiv Sena's true allegiance to the Shinde group," Aditya said

Aditya Thackeray labelled the decision as a 'shameful act,' questioning the Speaker's political integrity. He believes that such decisions signal larger implications for the nation. Thackeray criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its intention to amend the Constitution, highlighting their disregard for the principles set by Dr B R Ambedkar. He also pointed out the historical context, questioning Narvekar's past affiliations and intentions, his post read. 

READ | Who Is Rahul Narwekar? BJP Leader Who Became Maharashtra Speaker After Shiv Sena Split

Responding to these claims, Aditya Thackeray criticised Eknath Shinde for betraying the party's trust and aligning with opposing factions. He questioned Shinde's loyalty, given his swift transition and political manoeuvres. Thackeray also highlighted Shinde's aspirations for ministerial positions and the compromises he made to achieve them.

"Today, it has been proved once again that power and money sit over the Constitution. The way injustice is being done to us, the entire Maharashtra and India are watching it. Now we are left with the option of moving the Supreme Court again. We will approach the Supreme Court and we are confident that we will get justice," says Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey after Maharashtra Speaker's decision on disqualification pleas.

आज के निर्णय से हम निराश नहीं हैं परंतु एक बार फिर सत्ता और सरकार कैसे विरोधियों पर अन्याय करती है यह सिद्ध हो गया । हम सुप्रीम कोर्ट जाएँगे , सत्य को ज़्यादा मेहनत करनी पड़ती है । अंत में हम ही जीतेंगे थोड़ा वक़्त लगेगा ।
आनंद दुबे
प्रवक्ता
शिवसेना ( उद्घव बालासाहेब ठाकरे) https://t.co/t8HVpLzcW7 pic.twitter.com/WIpZEdNvfI

— Anand Dubey आनंद दुबे (@ANANDDUBEYK) January 10, 2024

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said, "I am not surprised at all. We had heard 'Wahi hota hai j manzoor-e-khuda' hota hai' after 2014 a new tradition has begun, 'Wahi hota hai Jo manzoor-e-Narendra Modi aur Amit Shah hota hai'. That is what we see happening in Maharashtra. This is an unfortunate compromise of ethics. Something that was termed 'illegal' and 'unconstitutional' by the Supreme Court is being turned into 'legal'. This is unfortunate," ANI quoted her as saying. 

#WATCH | Maharashtra Assembly Speaker rules Shinde faction the real Shiv Sena.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi says, "I am not surprised at all. We had heard 'Wahi hota hai j manzoor-e-khuda' hota hai'...after 2014 a new tradition has begun, 'Wahi hota hai Jo… pic.twitter.com/FxjbO4yOhz

— ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2024

Speaking on the matter, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar stressed that while every citizen has the right to approach higher courts, mere allegations without legal substance won't invalidate the Speaker's decisions.

#WATCH | Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar says, "...Every citizen of India has the right to approach the Supreme Court & High Court. However, just because you approach the court does not mean that the order passed by the Speaker is overturned, you have to establish… pic.twitter.com/eUv1c6nLYF

— ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2024

Several political leaders, including Ramdas Athawale, Deepak Kesarkar, Sharad Pawar, and Jitendra Awhad, responded to the ruling, which came as a major setback for the Shiv Sena (UBT) camp. Read the full report here.