Eknath Shinde and Raj Thackeray Bonhomie:
Rebel Shiv Sena MLA Eknath Shide called MNS chief Raj Thackeray twice. An MNS leader confirmed that Shinde spoke to Thackeray about the recent political situation in Maharashtra and inquired about his health.
Abhishek Manu Singhvi Vs Harish Salve in SC
The rebels have asked the Supreme Court to order the Deputy Speaker not to act on the disqualification petition until his removal is decided. They have also requested that the Maharashtra government provide security for their families. Abhishek Manu Singhvi will represent Uddhav Thackeray’s Sena whereas Harish Salve will represent Rebel Sena.
Seek a middle Ground: Sena MPs
On Sunday, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray met with Shiv Sena MPs, who urged him to assess the scenario for the 2024 general elections and find a compromise formula that would take the rebels’ demands into account. The meeting was attended by approximately 16 of the 18 Sena Lok Sabha MPs. While all MPs backed Thackeray’s leadership, some advised him to seek a middle ground in order to avoid a split in the Sena ahead of the 2024 elections.
Maharashtra Governor addresses Rebel MLAs as Shivsena MLAs
Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari has written to Union home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla asking that enough numbers of central security forces “be made and kept ready” in case the state’s law and order situation warrants their intervention. This request comes amid rising tensions between the two factions vying for leadership in the Shiv Sena. In light of reports of violence and protests, the CRPF has given Y+ security cover to at least 15 Sena MLAs from the Eknath Shinde camp, including four from the city.
