Maharashtra Political Crisis: 15-20 rebel Sena MLAs in touch, urging us to bring them back to Mumbai, says Aaditya Thackeray

Ruling out the possibility of imposition of President’s Rule in Maharashtra, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar on Sunday said the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government is set to sack rebel Sena members. Addressing a press conference here, Pawar said the MVA partners have authorised Thackeray to take action against the rebels and steps will be taken in a day or two. “Those who have rebelled want an alternative government in Maharashtra. What is the point of herding so many MLAs from one place to another if you have to impose President’s Rule. According to my understanding, there is no possibility of President’s Rule. If it happens, there will be elections,” Pawar said.

Rebel leader Eknath Shinde on Sunday took his battle against Shiv Sena to the Supreme Court and filed a petition on three counts — challenging the disqualification notice served on 16 legislators, the appointment of Ajay Choudhary as leader of Shiv Sena legislature party in his place and the rejection of the noconfidence motion against deputy speaker Harhari Zirwal. Shinde camp leader of legislature party Bharat Gogawale and the other 14 rebel MLAs also filed a petition. Both pleas are listed for hearing before a vacation bench of Justices Surya Kant and J B Pardiwala on Monday. The same day, Zirwal is expected to take a call on the disqualification petition filed by the Sena. Shinde, who has engaged a team of lawyers led by Harish Salve, has urged the SC to direct Zirwal not to disqualify the 16 rebel MLAs till a decision on the no-confidence motion against him is taken.