Maha Speaker Rahul Narwekar’s verdict over non-disqualification of any MLAs proves beneficial for BJP
Maha Speaker Rahul Narwekar’s verdict over non-disqualification of any MLAs proves beneficial for BJP
Notedly, Maharashtra Speaker Rahul Narwekar’s verdict on Wednesday not to disqualify MLAs from either faction of the Shiv Sena may emerge beneficial for the BJP, in the backdrop of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Sources reveal that the BJP would have found itself in a tough spot had Narwekar disqualified legislators of any of the two – Shiv Sena (UBT) and Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) – factions as it would have lost the perception battle merely ahead of the polls.
Another discerned positive in the Speaker’s verdict for the BJP was the recognition of the faction led by CM Eknath Shinde as the real Shiv Sena.
Narwekar, while ousting the 34
related petitions from both sides, ruled in Shinde’s favour, citing that a majority of the MLAs had sided with his faction after the party split in June 2022.
However, BJP and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) surveys suggest that Uddhav has garnered sympathy following the split and the subsequent fall of the MVA government led by him.
Added to this, he also lost the party name and symbol after the Election Commission (EC) ruled in Shinde’s favour.
A source mentions that the sympathy has escalated as people believe the split and its consequences were engineered by the BJP.
The source further added that the Thackerays are the core of the emotion that binds the Sena. Any injustice to them resonates with supporters and cadre.
Had Sena (UBT) MLAs been disqualified, Uddhav would have got an opportunity to further encash on the sympathy that he has garnered.
More often than not, sympathy for the Sena has translated into votes.
However, the source pointed out that Uddhav can still play the sympathy card as the Speaker has ruled that the Sena led by Shinde is the real party.
Sources reveal that just ahead of the verdict, the Sena (UBT) moving the Supreme Court would play in his favour as he can seek votes from people claiming injustice to the party.
Uddhav had moved the apex court over Narwekar’s meeting with Shinde just ahead of the disqualification verdict claiming it was like “the judge meeting the accused’.
MVA partners slammed the verdict of the speaker in unison
On expected lines, Narwekar’s verdict has been attacked by the Sena (UBT) and the other MVA partners.
Uddhav on Wednesday said the verdict is not final and that his party would approach the Supreme Court. “The real battle would be fought on the electoral field.
The party’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut termed the Speaker as a leader of the BJP and accused him of acting as a lawyer of the Shinde-led Sena.
Raut also added that this is a conspiracy of the BJP as it dreams of finishing the Shiv Sena of Balasaheb (Thackeray).
The order is not in accordance with law or the Constitution.
They do not accept it. The Speaker received the order copy from Delhi (BJP).
The verdict marked a black day for “the Marathi community”.
News Edit K.V.Raman
