Political upheaval may occur in Maharashtra; Speaker's ruling on disqualification of Sena MLAs likely today

Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar is likely to announce his decision on the disqualification case involving Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena MLAs on Wednesday, coinciding with the expiration of the January 10 deadline set by the Supreme Court. Although the initial deadline for the verdict was December 31, 2023, the court granted a 10-day extension.

In such a situation, the question is arising that if Speaker Narwekar disqualifies Shinde and his MLAs, then who will sit on the CM's chair in Maharashtra. Actually BJP has clearly said that there is no crisis on the government. In such a situation, it is believed that if the verdict comes against Shinde, BJP can implement its Plan B here.

In June 2022, Shinde and a group of MLAs revolted against the then Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. This rebellion resulted in a division within the Shiv Sena, leading to the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government. The Maha Vikas Aghadi government included the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress.

Both Shinde and Thackeray factions have sought action against each other

As per reports, the Speaker is set to announce the verdict, derived from 34 petitions submitted by both factions of the Shiv Sena. The judgment will be presented in six segments. Both the Shinde and Thackeray factions have invoked the anti-defection law, seeking redress against each other.

“If this verdict is challenged by either group, the aggrieved party can approach the High court or Supreme Court,” sources added.

In October 2023, the Supreme Court came down heavily on Narwekar over the delay in deciding the pleas filed by the Thackeray faction seeking the disqualification of Shinde and the "rebel" MLAs, saying the Speaker could not defeat the orders of the top court.