Eknath Shinde’s revolt against Uddhav Thackrey’s Shiv Sena has created mayhem in Maharashtra politics. However, Shinde and 40 other MLAs camping in Guwahati are a red flag for the entire Shiv Sena.
If Shiv Sena splits into two, Shinde can snatch Maharashtra’s power and the party’s bow symbol from the hands of the Chief Minister. Speculations say that Shiv Sena’s own G-22 might join hands with the Bharatiya Janata party to bring down the Maharashtra Vikas Morcha. However, Shinde has denied any connections with BJP leaders.
The anti-coup law states that if the number of revolters is lower than two-thirds of the party, they are disqualified. But, the rebel briefs that he has more than 34 MLAs out of 56 backing him. If he puts a foot forward, the party cannot accuse him of anti-party actions. Shinde has left Uddhav with only 15 MLAs.
After the 1967 general elections, state governments fell as MLAs shifted from one party to another.
In 1985, the Rajiv Gandhi-led Congress government introduced an anti-defection law in the 10th Schedule of the Constitution that barred the MLAs and MPs from changing parties after acquiring seats. However, a group of MLAs can merge with another party without facing the anti-defection law.
Read More: Shinde Sena Emerges: 34 MLAs Choose Him As Their Leader
