Uddhav Thackeray Vows to Escalate Shiv Sena Leadership Battle, Taking the Fight to the People's Court - 2024-01-17

Uddhav Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena faction affected by the disqualification ruling recognising Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led party as the genuine Shiv Sena, has announced his intent to challenge the decision in what he terms the "people's court." Thackeray emphasised that this battle would determine the fate of democracy in the country.

Speaking at a "people's court" gathering in Worli, the constituency of his son Aaditya Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray asserted his disagreement with the decision and labelled Maharashtra Speaker Rahul Narwekar as "deceitful." He challenged Narwekar and Chief Minister Shinde to a public debate on which faction truly represents the Shiv Sena. Defending his decision, Speaker Narwekar, in a separate press conference, stated that his actions align with Supreme Court guidelines, emphasizing that the people of the state know the truth. The ruling, announced on January 10, recognized the Shinde faction as the authentic Shiv Sena, dismissing disqualification petitions from both factions. Uddhav Thackeray relied on historical videos from 2013 and 2018 showcasing his election as party chief to support his position. He also questioned the Election Commission's stance, asking whether it overlooked the constitution of the undivided Sena. Thackeray demanded reimbursement for the money spent on affidavits submitted to the Election Commission. Narwekar justified his decision not to accept the undivided Shiv Sena's amended constitution of 2018, arguing that it was not submitted to the Election Commission. He held that the Sena's 1999 constitution was valid for determining the genuine faction. Additionally, Narwekar defended his choice not to disqualify Thackeray faction MLAs, citing improper delivery of the whip.

Maharashtra Speaker Cites Supreme Court Guidelines To Defend Sena vs Sena Ruling Maharashtra assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Tuesday defended his decision to recognise Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's faction as the real Shiv Sena, and asserted that his actions were based on the guidelines provided by the Supreme Court. Maharashtra Speaker Rahul Narwekar said his actions were based on Supreme Court's guidelines (File) Maharashtra assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Tuesday defended his decision to recognise Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's faction as the real Shiv Sena, and asserted that his actions were based on the guidelines provided by the Supreme Court. He spoke to the media in Mumbai immediately after Mr Thackeray, at a press conference, attacked his January 10 ruling on disqualification petitions filed by both Shinde and Thackeray camps against each other's MLAs following a split in the party in June 2022. The Speaker also justified his decision not to accept the undivided Shiv Sena's amended constitution of 2018. The party had then informed the Election Commission only about Uddhav Thackeray being the party chief but not submitted the amended constitution, he said. In his ruling, Mr Narwekar held that the Sena's 1999 constitution was the valid one for deciding which faction was the real Shiv Sena. "My actions were based on the Supreme Court's guidelines," he said. Promoted Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com Rules framed by a party should not just be on paper but must be implemented, Mr Narwekar further said. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) 'I Will Fight This Case In The People's Court': Uddhav Thackeray Amid Row Over Sena Disqualification Verdict Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday said he would approach the people’s court to get justice, referring to assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar’s verdict on the disqualification of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his MLAs. “From today onward, I will fight this case in the people’s court and the people will give justice,” he said at a press conference. Uddhav Thackeray ready to face elections Thackeray said that he was ready to face elections with the ‘mashaal’ (flaming torch) symbol and the name of the Shiv Sena (UBT). He also challenged Shinde to contest elections against him on the ‘stolen’ name and bow-and-arrow symbol. He called for an open discussion on Narwekar’s verdict. “Narwekar’s verdict has stated I had no right to oust CM Eknath Shinde from the Shiv Sena after his revolt. Then how come [Prime Minister Narendra] Modi had sought my support to form the government in the 2014 election?” Thackeray went on to target Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying, “If I had no right to take decisions in Shiv Sena party, then how did Fadnavis enjoy the post of CM for five years? With whose support? If I had no rights, then why did [Home Minister] Amit Shah come to ‘Matoshree’ in 2019 and why did he discuss the issue of sharing the CM’s post with me?” he asked. Sena Chief promises to relentlessly fight for justice The UBT Sena chief further challenged Shinde and Narwekar to stand with him before the public and “declare that the Shiv Sena does not belong to me. The people will show evidence and give justice”. He pointed out that the Shinde group has challenged Narwekar’s order in the high court. “Since both factions are unhappy with Narwekar’s verdict, I suggest that the Shinde group convene a meeting of the assembly and move a proposal to remove Narwekar. We will support such a proposal.” Thackeray targeted the ECI and asked legal experts if a petition could be filed against it. “This is not the fight of my party or myself alone. It is the fight for democracy. Such a thing could happen with any party in India. This fight will show who is superior – the Supreme Court or Narwekar’s tribunal,” he held. Court notice to Speaker, 14 Uddhav Sena MLAs on Shinde faction’s disqualification plea - India Today Court notice to Speaker, 14 Uddhav Sena MLAs on Shinde faction’s disqualification plea India Today Shiv Sena Row: Bombay High Court Issues Notices To 14 Uddhav Faction MLAs, Speaker On Shinde Faction's... - Live Law - Indian Legal News Shiv Sena Row: Bombay High Court Issues Notices To 14 Uddhav Faction MLAs, Speaker On Shinde Faction's... Live Law - Indian Legal News