Uddhav Thackeray Moves Supreme Court Over Speaker’s “Real Shiv Sena” Verdict

Mumbai: Maharashtra’s political chessboard remains abuzz with the ongoing Shiv Sena squabble, showing no signs of resolution despite Speaker Rahul Narwekar’s verdict in favour of Eknath Shinde’s faction last week. While Narwekar’s decision, based on the party’s 1999 constitution, recognized Shinde’s authority as a member and nullified Uddhav Thackeray’s expulsion attempt, the ousted Chief Minister refuses to surrender.

Uddhav Thackeray has now approached the Supreme Court to challenge Narwekar’s ruling on the “real Shiv Sena.”

Thackeray is contesting the Speaker’s decision to dismiss petitions seeking the disqualification of lawmakers who left the undivided Shiv Sena in June to join Shinde’s breakaway faction. Expressing discontent with Narwekar’s verdict, Thackeray accused the Speaker of undermining democracy and acting under the influence of the Shinde camp.

The dispute involves multiple disqualification petitions from both factions, as well as a separate set by Sharad Pawar’s NCP seeking the removal of its rebel MLAs. Narwekar’s dismissal of all disqualification petitions has intensified the political tensions. Thackeray, in challenging the Speaker’s decision, questioned the validity of the Constitution and raised concerns about the motives behind the actions.

Speaking after the controversial ruling, Narwekar explained that the whip served to Thackeray’s MLAs might not have been properly executed, making disqualification inappropriate. He defended the right to dissent, stating that skipping a party meeting is more about expressing dissent than violating rules.

The Shiv Sena, once united, split in June 2022, leading to reciprocal disqualification notices between the two factions. The Election Commission recognized the Shinde faction in February of the previous year, granting it ownership of the bow and arrow election symbol of the undivided party founded by the late Balasaheb Thackeray. The power struggle continues, with the Supreme Court now set to adjudicate on the matter.