As political turmoil continues to grip the Maharashtra government, Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray addressed Shiv Sainiks in Byculla, Mumbai, on Monday, 27 June, saying that he is aware of their strength and anger. Aaditya said that when the Chief Minister was hospitalised, the rebel MLAs "sold themselves".
Earlier on Monday, a vacation bench of the Supreme Court issued notice on the petition by rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde against the Sena's move to disqualify him and 15 other rebel MLAs.
The court also granted relief to rebel MLAs, extending the time for the petitioners to submit their responses to the disqualification notices till 11 July.
Meanwhile, the BJP core committee held a meeting at Devendra Fadnavis's residence - Sagar Bungalow - to discuss the present political situation in the state.
Some glimpses of the turmoil from the weekend:
The apex court on Monday refused to pass any interim order on the plea that there should not be any floor test in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly till 11 July
The Enforcement Directorate has issued fresh summons to Sena national spokesperson Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut said that the rebel MLAs who have sold their souls are like "the walking dead"
Seven Shiv Sena workers were arrested on Sunday for attacking Shinde's son's office on Saturday
The Centre has provided additional security to families of rebel MLAs in Maharashtra on the request of Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari
The rebel faction currently has more than 40 Sena MLAs, their tally number is 55 including MLAs of the Prahar party and independents
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'Our People Betrayed Us': Aaditya
Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray said in Byculla, Mumbai that many people warned him of Congress or the NCP betraying the party but added that "our people betrayed us".
He said, "Many people told us that Congress and NCP will betray us but our people betrayed us. Many MLAs who were watchmen, rickshaw drivers, and paan shopkeepers - we made them Ministers. On 20th May, Uddhav Thackeray offered him (Eknath Shinde) the CM post and he did drama."
He added:
"They (rebel MLAs) went to Guwahati where there's a flood situation and many people are without shelter and food. They (rebel MLAs) are enjoying there. Bill for meals (for them) in one day is Rs 9 lakh, they are taking private choppers and enjoying there. Shame on them."
Additya added that the rebel MLAs have sold themselves for "lakhs and crores".
Aaditya Thackeray Addresses Shiv Sainiks in Mumbai
Maharashtra Minister Aaditya Thackeray addressed Shiv Sainiks in Byculla, Mumbai, saying that he is aware of their strength and anger, reported ANI.
He said, "I can understand your zeal and strength, can even notice your anger. I've been visiting and interacting with Shivsainiks and I can see there is a lot of anger among them. But there is one positive thing that the dirt has gone out of Shiv Sena."
He continued, "When there was a raid on Yamini Jadhav (rebel MLA) and Yashwant (Jadhav), we came out on streets. Yesterday Yamini Jadhav said it was not needed. Many people had suggested to not give them chance but we gave them opportunity. What she said yesterday brought tears to my eyes."
Aaditya said that when the Chief Minister was hospitalised, the rebel MLAs "sold themselves". He questioned, "I would like to ask them, is there no humanity left? We trusted them."
He said that the MVA government will continue and will come to power in Delhi too. "The power which has brought us here...we will come to power in Delhi too," he said.
'Resign and Return Elected': Aaditya Thackeray Tells Rebel MLAs
Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray accused rebel MLAs of kidnapping and challenged them to resign and return if elected. He said, "Some people have been kidnapped and some have been bluffed by the rebel MLAs. I would like to tell these rebels that if they have the courage, then resign and come again elected."
The minister was visiting party MLAs at a hospital in Navi Mumbai, after they got injured in a clash with the supporters of the Eknath Shinde camp two days ago in Karjat, Raigad.
BJP Core Committee Meeting Concludes
BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar said that the BJP core committee meeting has concluded.
He said, "After SC's order, the state's political situation was assessed and discussed. Eknath Shinde said that his faction is original Shiv Sena - that too was discussed. We discussed what role should we assume in future in current scenario."
He added, "After discussion, it was decided that we'll wait and watch and a core team will come for a meeting once again, depending on the situation in the coming days. BJP will then take a decision in the interest of the people, in the interest of Maharashtra."