Maharashtra political crisis: Eknath Shinde meets Devendra Fadnavis in Gujarat
What's the story
Eknath Shinde, a rebel Shiv Sena MLA who has been camping in Guwahati with close to 50 other party legislators and independents, met with BJP leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday night in Gujarat's Vadodara, according to NDTV. Union Home Minister Amit Shah was also in Vadodara. It is, however, not clear if he met the Shiv Sena rebel.
Context
Why does this story matter?
A rebellion by Shinde has led to a political crisis in Maharashtra. Later, he also claimed he had the support of 40 Shiv Sena MLAs against the present government. He was displeased with the Sena joining hands with the Congress and NCP to form the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. He claimed the Sena MLAs were sidelined, while alliance partners benefited the most.
Possible alliance
Rebel legislators want to join 'natural ally' BJP
Shinde and the rebels are apparently seeking an alliance with their erstwhile partner, the BJP, which they see as a "natural ally" of the Sena. "We are traditionally the rivals of NCP and Congress, they are our primary challengers in constituencies. We requested CM Uddhav Thackeray that natural alliance should be done," rebel MLA Chimanrao Patil said in a video tweeted by Shinde.
Report
20 Sena rebels in touch with CM Thackeray: Report
According to NDTV, at least 20 MLAs camping with rebel leader Shinde are in contact with Maharashtra CM Thackeray, since some of the rebels are opposed to a merger with the BJP. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena intends to take action against Shinde and other dissident ministers. Cabinet ministers Shinde, Gulabrao Patil, and Dada Bhuse, according to reports, are set to lose their positions.
Title
Infighting over proposed title of the dissented group
Some of the rebels have openly stated that they remain with the Shiv Sena and claim to have a two-thirds majority. They also requested that their organization, "Shiv Sena Balasaheb," be recognized and threatened to go to court if it was not, as per reports. In a letter to the Election Commission of India, Thackeray, however, questioned the rebels' decision.
Support
Allies vow to stand by Uddhav to save the government
Allies of the ruling coalition in Maharashtra have expressed their support for the Thackeray-led Maharashtra government. It came just hours after Sena leader Sanjay Raut stated that the party was willing to discuss withdrawing from the MVA if rebel lawmakers returned within the next 24 hours. In a tweet, NCP leader Jayant Patil stated that his party will support Thackeray till the end.
Details
Aaditya Thackeray dares rebels
Meanwhile, the CM's son and Maharashtra minister, Aaditya Thackeray, has challenged the rebels to leave the party and face elections, as the political turmoil worsens. "If you have guts, leave Shiv Sena—defect and fight. If you think what we have done is wrong, Uddhav (Thackeray) ji's leadership is wrong, and we all are wrong, then resign and face elections. We are ready," he said.