Political Turmoil in Maharashtra: Shiv Sena Faction Disqualification Verdict Looms Amidst Allegations of Collusion and Democracy's Fate at Stake

The political situation in Maharashtra is heating up ahead of the assembly speaker's verdict on cross-petitions by Shiv Sena factions seeking the disqualification of each other's MLAs after a party split. The decision will impact the Eknath Shinde government and the Shiv Sena's internal dynamics. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, Uddhav Thackeray, raised concerns over a meeting between Chief Minister Shinde and speaker Rahul Narwekar, filing an affidavit in the Supreme Court, alleging collusion. Narwekar defended the meeting, emphasizing the speaker's right to meet the chief minister. Thackeray questioned the delay in the ruling, stating Narwekar's decision would determine the fate of democracy. The Shiv Sena (UBT) hopes the Supreme Court takes the matter seriously. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed confidence in the stability of the Shiv Sena-BJP-NCP government and expected a just ruling from the speaker. The political turmoil originated in June 2022, leading to a split in the Shiv Sena, and cross-petitions were filed under anti-defection laws. The Election Commission assigned the 'Shiv Sena' name and symbol to the Shinde-led faction. The verdict is expected to shape the political landscape as Maharashtra approaches assembly polls in 2024.