As the political turmoil in Maharashtra coils more and more, Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant whipped the blame on Gujarat BJP. He accused the party of betraying Bal Thackrey, who supported the party after the 2002 riots.
According to Sawant, the Bharatiya Janata Party staged the rift within the Shiv Sena members that led to rebel leader Eknath Shinde against the party supremo Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackrey. Last week, Shinde revolted against the Sena with more than 35 MLAs on his side.
Sawant, former Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Union Minister, made the headlines as he resigned in 2019 when the Sena-BJP coalition ceased.
Uddhav Thackrey supporters are voicing their support through protests and presentations in various parts of Maharashtra. Their rage against Shinde is visible in their street demonstrations, including sabotaging MLA offices and burning posters of rebel leaders.
Sawant backed the angry supporters and said, “They elected these leaders to become the MLAs. How can they forgive them for splitting the party when Thackrey was ill with COVID and fighting for his life?”
Real Fight On Lok Sabha Floor: Says Arvind Sawant
Furthermore, Sawant said, “Before they merge with any party and enter the parliament, we shall get the rebel MLAs disqualified on request with the Deputy Speaker. The real fight will be on the House floor.”
On the other hand, Shinde took the case of disqualification notices issued to him and 15 other MLAs to the Supreme Court. However, the apex bench has given them a redemption until July 12 to reply.
“In 2017, Venkaiah Naidu was the Vice President of India and Rajya Sabha Chairman. He sacked two Janata Dal MPs due to their anti-party activities and revolt. In the case of Sena rebels, there are solid grounds for disqualification,” voiced Sawant.
However, Arvind Sawant also claims that not all MLAs with Shinde are present willingly. They are holding many legislators as hostages, he added. “They thought that the charade shall get over in 48 hours. However, there desperation knows no boundaries. Some want to return to Maharashtra, but Shinde is not letting them step out,” he said.
Sawant informed the media that two MLAs escaped the camp and returned. Also, as per his claim, many legislators have expressed their will to come back. He accused the MLAs of not knowing the law.
However, Arvind Sawant brought to the public eye that 2002 or 2006 was not the only time Balasaheb helped Bharatiya Janata Party. “He saved BJP from losing one of its veteran leaders in Maharashtra, Gopinath Munde, in 2008, as he asked senior leader Advani to iron out his differences with Munde.”
Arvind Sawant narrated another incident of privilege prevention. He said, “Similarly, former Gujarat CM Keshubhai Patel had expressed an interest to leave BJP and join Shiv Sena. In conclusion, he said, “Balasaheb made such sacrifices for the BJP, but Modi has not respected this friendship.” (ThePrint)
Read More: Maharashtra Politics: Uddhav Sena Vs Shinde Sena, Top Updates
