Mumbai, June 23
Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, whose rebellion against the party has pushed the three-party Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government to the brink of collapse, said a “national party” termed his rebellion as “historic” and all Assistance is assured. To those.
A video of Shinde addressing a group of rebel Shiv Sena MLAs at a hotel in Guwahati was released by his office here. The video also shows the MLAs unanimously authorizing Shinde as the leader of their group to take further decisions on their behalf.
In the video, Shinde is seen saying, “Our worries and happiness are the same. We are one and victory will be ours. There is one national party, one ‘superpower’… you know they defeated Pakistan. That party has said that we have taken a historic decision and have assured all possible help. Shinde is currently camping in Guwahati along with 37 rebel Shiv Sena MLAs and nine Independents. The NCP and Congress also share power in the Uddhav Thackeray-led government.
A statement issued by Shinde’s office said the decision to authorize him to make decisions on his behalf was taken unanimously.
However, Maharashtra Assembly Deputy Speaker Narhari Jirwal had earlier approved the appointment of Ajay Choudhary as the leader of the Shiv Sena group in the House in place of Shinde.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Ajit Pawar, when asked whether the opposition BJP has a role in the ongoing political crisis in the state, said, “So far, no top BJP leader has been at the forefront. Has been observed.” State NCP chief Jayant Patil said the MVA enjoys a majority. “The rebels have not left the Shiv Sena. They are angry now and will return,” he said.