Shiv Sena’s UBT Faction Raises Objections Over Speaker-Chief Minister Meeting
The ongoing political drama within Maharashtra’s Shiv Sena party took a contentious turn as the UBT faction lodged a formal objection against a meeting between Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The meeting has stirred controversy ahead of the impending January 10 verdict in the Shiv Sena MLA disqualification case.
Controversial Meeting Details
The objection, filed as an application in the Supreme Court, specifically targets the meeting that took place on January 7 at Speaker Narwekar’s official residence. With the verdict set to be announced on January 10 at 4 pm, the timing of the meeting has raised eyebrows and led to accusations questioning the impartiality of the Speaker.
Allegations of Bias
In the application, Shiv Sena UBT leader Sunil Prabhu expressed concerns over the Speaker’s impartiality, stating, “It is highly improper for the Speaker to meet Eknath Shinde just three days before deciding on the disqualification petition.” The application further emphasized the need for justice to not only be done but also be seen to be done, pointing to a potential violation of this principle.
Legal Ramifications
The application was filed as part of an ongoing writ petition that seeks the expeditious disposal of disqualification petitions against Chief Minister Shinde’s faction. The UBT faction aims to place additional documents on record and ensure that the controversial meeting is duly noted in the legal proceedings.
The Shiv Sena party witnessed a significant rift in June 2022 when Eknath Shinde and several MLAs rebelled against then-chief minister Uddhav Thackeray. The rebellion led to a split in the party and the eventual downfall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition government. The impending verdict on January 10 will determine the fate of multiple disqualification petitions filed against Shinde and other rebel MLAs.
Supreme Court’s Previous Involvement
It’s worth noting that the Supreme Court had previously set a deadline of December 31, 2023, for the Speaker to deliver the verdict. However, an extension was granted until January 10, 2024, adding further intrigue to the already complex political landscape in Maharashtra.
In summary, the objection raised by the Shiv Sena UBT faction adds another layer of complexity to an already convoluted political situation, as all eyes turn towards the Supreme Court’s upcoming verdict.
