No work for rebel Shiv Sena MLAs in Maharashtra, can rest in Guwahati: Sanjay Raut on SC order

MUMBAI: Following the Supreme Court's order on the plea by Eknath Shinde and other rebel MLAs, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday said that the order was for the rebel MLAs to rest in Guwahati till July 11 as there was no work for them in Maharashtra.

On Monday, the apex court allowed Shinde and other MLAs to file a reply to the disqualification notice issued to them by the Deputy Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly by July 12.

"It is an order for them to rest there (in Guwahati) till July 11. There is no work for them in Maharashtra," said Raut.

Raut further said that the Shiv Sena was hopeful of the return of some dissident MLAs.

"There are still a few MLAs whom we do not consider rebels, as they are in touch with us. Their families are also in touch with us and we are hopeful that they would return to us," Raut said.

The Shiv Sena leader also said that BJP and its Devendra Fadnavis should not get involved in the crisis unfolding in the MVA government. "If they do, then their party (BJP), Fadnavis and PM Modi's names will be tarnished," Raut said.

Meanwhile, according to sources the rebels are likely to stay for a few more days in Assam and are unlikely to return to Maharashtra before July 5.

"Rebel Maharashtra MLAs likely to stay for more days at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati, Assam. The hotel was booked till July 5 and the booking can now be extended as per requirement," sources said on Tuesday.

On June 27, the Supreme Court granted interim relief to Shinde and other MLAs to file their reply to disqualification notices issued to them by the Deputy Speaker of Maharashtra Assembly by July 12, 5.30 pm.

"This is victory of the Hindutva of Balasaheb Thackeray and the ideas of Anand Dighe," Shinde tweeted after the Supreme Court deferred the disqualification proceedings.

The apex court was hearing the petitions filed by the Shinde group challenging the disqualification notices issued by the Deputy Speaker to 16 rebel MLAs as well as the appointment of Ajay Choudhary as Shiv Sena Legislature Party leader.