Reacting to the verdict that declared his faction of the Shiv Sena as the legitimate party, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed his views on the decision, stating that it would enhance intra-party democracy. In an exclusive telephonic interview with India Today TV, Shinde emphasized that the ruling would strengthen the democratic processes within the Shiv Sena. He also took the opportunity to comment on Uddhav Thackeray, alleging that Thackeray was "selling out the party."
Shinde's comments are not isolated, as he has previously accused Uddhav Thackeray of betraying the Hindutva ideology. This accusation stemmed from the Shiv Sena's decision to break the alliance with the BJP after the 2019 elections and form a government with the support of Congress and NCP, a move Shinde considers a betrayal of the party's ideological roots.
These remarks from Shinde came after Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar ruled in favor of his faction, declaring it legitimate due to having the support of the majority of party MLAs. The Speaker also dismissed all petitions seeking the disqualification of MLAs from both factions, asserting that no legislator would face disqualification.
The Speaker's decision was based on the argument that the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde could not be disqualified, as the then Shiv Sena chief whip, Sunil Prabhu, lacked the authority to call the legislature meeting.
Responding to Narwekar's rejection of disqualification pleas, Shinde suggested that the Speaker might have been under pressure, particularly as the UBT (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MLAs were not disqualified. He further alleged that Narwekar faced pressure from the Shiv Sena (UBT), which levied accusations against the Speaker.
Eknath Shinde emphasized the importance of majority in a democracy. Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray, the chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), criticized the Speaker's order, labeling it a "murder of democracy" and an insult to the Supreme Court's decision. Thackeray announced that his party would approach the Supreme Court to seek a resolution on the matter. He expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would ensure justice for the people and Shiv Sena. Notably, in 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that it could not restore the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, as then CM Uddhav Thackeray resigned without facing the floor test.
