Tension is mounting in Maharashtra as the state awaits the assembly speaker`s decision on Sena disqualification plea. Reportedly, cross-petitions were filed by competing factions within the Shiv Sena demanding the disqualification of their respective MLAs following a party split. This decision has substantial ramifications for the government led by Eknath Shinde, as well as the regional organization`s internal dynamics, stated a report in PTI.

Speaker Rahul Narwekar`s long-awaited decision is planned for 4 pm on Wednesday, more than 18 months after the Shiv Sena split, resulting in a state leadership change. 

According to the report, before the verdict on Sena disqualification plea, Uddhav Thackeray made it known that his party objected to a recent meeting between Speaker Narwekar and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in the Supreme Court.  Thackeray expressed disapproval of the meeting and doubted Narwekar`s objectivity.

“If the judge (Narwekar) is going to meet the accused, what should we expect from that judge,” Thackeray asked during a media interaction at his residence `Matoshree` in Mumbai. 

Nationalist Congress Party chief and Uddhav`s ally Sharad Pawar too said when someone hearing a case–referring to Sena disqualification plea–meets the person against whom the case is, it “leaves room for doubt”, the PTI report stated. 

Responding to Thackeray`s allegations, Narwekar defended the meeting, claiming that it was within the purview of a speaker`s duty to discuss with the chief minister and denied any misconduct. Thackeray, on the other hand, underlined his concerns about the fairness of the decision-making process.

Reportedly, Narwekar met CM Shinde at his official residence `Varsha` on Sunday. 

“If he still levels such allegations, then his motive is very clear. There is no rule that a speaker while hearing disqualification pleas, cannot do any other work,” he hit back, as per PTI. 

The Supreme Court had earlier extended Narwekar`s deadline to deliberate on cross-petitions filed by warring Shiv Sena groups demanding the disqualification of each other`s MLAs to January 10.

CM Shinde and several MLAs rebelled against Thackeray`s leadership in June 2022, sparking a rift within the Shiv Sena and the dissolution of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance.

Both sides filed accusations against one another, requesting that anti-defection laws be applied. The Supreme Court recommended a prompt decision on both cases in May 2023. Maharashtra`s political climate will probably change as a result of this judgement, as assembly elections are slated for the second half of 2024.

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