News Analysis India

Tag: Shiv Sena

  • Maharashtra: Man detained from Pune for giving death threat to Sanjay Raut 

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Mumbai police have detained a young man from Pune for allegedly sending a message to Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut threatening to eliminate him like Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, who was shot dead last year, a police official said on Saturday.

    Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the man has been identified and it appears that he sent the threatening message under the influence of alcohol.

    However, he assured that a detailed probe will be carried out and action will be taken.

    The man in his early 20s was detained from the Kharadi area on Friday night in an operation by Mumbai and Pune police, hours after Raut filed a complaint with the Kanjurmarg police station here, the official said.

    Calling Raut “Hindu virodhi”, the text message read, “Delhi me mil tu ak 47 se uda dunga. Moosewala type. Lawrence ke or se msg he soch ke- Salman aur tu Fix. Tyatil karke rakhna (sic).

    Police suspect the “Lawrence” in the message refers to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

    Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, popularly known as Sidhu Moosewala, was shot dead in Punjab’s Mansa district on May 29, 2022, following which police booked gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

    Goldy Brar, a member of the Bishnoi gang, had claimed responsibility for the killing.

    A few days later, three members of the Bishnoi gang delivered a letter threatening Bollywood actor Salman Khan and his father Salim Khan, police had said.

    The official said they are yet to establish the reason behind the threat message to Raut.

    The city police are already probing the Salman Khan threat case and this man will be questioned in connection with that too, the official added.

    Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the man who allegedly sent the threat message has been identified.

    “Prima facie, it appears that the man gave threats when he was under the influence of alcohol.

    However, this is just preliminary information and a detailed probe will be carried out and action will be taken,” Fadnavis said.

    Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Supriya Sule said Raut is a lawmaker and such a threat to him was a serious issue and that the Centre and the Maharashtra government should take cognisance of it.

    MUMBAI: Mumbai police have detained a young man from Pune for allegedly sending a message to Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut threatening to eliminate him like Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, who was shot dead last year, a police official said on Saturday.

    Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the man has been identified and it appears that he sent the threatening message under the influence of alcohol.

    However, he assured that a detailed probe will be carried out and action will be taken.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The man in his early 20s was detained from the Kharadi area on Friday night in an operation by Mumbai and Pune police, hours after Raut filed a complaint with the Kanjurmarg police station here, the official said.

    Calling Raut “Hindu virodhi”, the text message read, “Delhi me mil tu ak 47 se uda dunga. Moosewala type. Lawrence ke or se msg he soch ke- Salman aur tu Fix. Tyatil karke rakhna (sic).

    Police suspect the “Lawrence” in the message refers to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

    Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, popularly known as Sidhu Moosewala, was shot dead in Punjab’s Mansa district on May 29, 2022, following which police booked gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

    Goldy Brar, a member of the Bishnoi gang, had claimed responsibility for the killing.

    A few days later, three members of the Bishnoi gang delivered a letter threatening Bollywood actor Salman Khan and his father Salim Khan, police had said.

    The official said they are yet to establish the reason behind the threat message to Raut.

    The city police are already probing the Salman Khan threat case and this man will be questioned in connection with that too, the official added.

    Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the man who allegedly sent the threat message has been identified.

    “Prima facie, it appears that the man gave threats when he was under the influence of alcohol.

    However, this is just preliminary information and a detailed probe will be carried out and action will be taken,” Fadnavis said.

    Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Supriya Sule said Raut is a lawmaker and such a threat to him was a serious issue and that the Centre and the Maharashtra government should take cognisance of it.

  • Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde held first meeting of Shiv Sena; to demand Bharat Ratna to Savarkar

    Express News Service

    MUMBAI: The Shiv Sena party led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had called its first national office bearers meeting at a five-star luxury hotel in Mumbai where they decided to propose the name of VD Savarkar for Bharat Ratna.

    After the election commission of India recognised Shinde factions as the real Shiv Sena and even allotted them the traditional Shiv Sena symbol – bow and arrow, it was the first meeting of Shiv Sena on Tuesday late evening. The meeting was chaired by the chief minister.

    Maharashtra cabinet minister Uday Samant after the meeting said that they decided that the Maharashtra government will propose the name of freedom fighter VD Savarkar for Bharat Ratna. “We will request to the central government that VD Savarkar should be conferred with the highest civilian award Bharat Ratna. Besides, they will also demand giving classical language status to Marathi language and ensuring 80 per cent reservations for local people in jobs,” said Samant.

    ALSO READ | Maharashtra CM Shinde to remain ‘chief leader’ of Shiv Sena 

    He said that Veermata Jijabai, Ahilya Bai Holkar, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj names should be included in the list of national icons. “We will work within the framework of the election commission of India. Besides, we will also expand the party network and will not make the mistake that was done by Uddhav Thackeray during his tenure. There will also be a disciplinary committee that will ensure discipline in the party. The disciplinary committee is headed by minister Dada Bhuse, while Sambhuraj Desai and Sanjay More will be members of this committee,” Samant added.

    MUMBAI: The Shiv Sena party led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had called its first national office bearers meeting at a five-star luxury hotel in Mumbai where they decided to propose the name of VD Savarkar for Bharat Ratna.

    After the election commission of India recognised Shinde factions as the real Shiv Sena and even allotted them the traditional Shiv Sena symbol – bow and arrow, it was the first meeting of Shiv Sena on Tuesday late evening. The meeting was chaired by the chief minister.

    Maharashtra cabinet minister Uday Samant after the meeting said that they decided that the Maharashtra government will propose the name of freedom fighter VD Savarkar for Bharat Ratna. “We will request to the central government that VD Savarkar should be conferred with the highest civilian award Bharat Ratna. Besides, they will also demand giving classical language status to Marathi language and ensuring 80 per cent reservations for local people in jobs,” said Samant.

    ALSO READ | Maharashtra CM Shinde to remain ‘chief leader’ of Shiv Sena 

    He said that Veermata Jijabai, Ahilya Bai Holkar, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj names should be included in the list of national icons. “We will work within the framework of the election commission of India. Besides, we will also expand the party network and will not make the mistake that was done by Uddhav Thackeray during his tenure. There will also be a disciplinary committee that will ensure discipline in the party. The disciplinary committee is headed by minister Dada Bhuse, while Sambhuraj Desai and Sanjay More will be members of this committee,” Samant added.

  • Maharashtra CM Shinde to remain ‘chief leader’ of Shiv Sena 

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will remain the ‘chief leader’ of the Shiv Sena, it was decided at its first national executive meeting held here on Tuesday evening.

    State industries minister Uday Samant made the announcement about the resolutions passed in the meeting.

    The Election Commission of India last week recognized the Shinde faction as the real Shiv Sena, and allotted it the poll symbol of the party, bow and arrow.

    The rival factions led by Shinde and former CM Uddhav Thackeray are locked in legal battles over the control of the Shiv Sena.

    “The meeting was chaired by the chief leader of the Shiv Sena, chief minister Eknath Shinde,” Samant said. It resolved to form a disciplinary committee,” he added.

    Other resolutions included the demand for a posthumous Bharat Ratna for freedom fighters and Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.

    Another resolution passed at the meeting demanded the inclusion of Sambhaji Maharaj, Veermata Jijabai and Ahilyabai Holkar in the list of “national personalities.”

    Samant did not specify what role Uddhav Thackeray will have in this new Shiv Sena.

    The disciplinary committee would be headed by state ports development minister Dada Bhuse; excise minister Shambhuraj Desai and Sanjay More will be its other members.

    “The disciplinary committee will ensure the smooth functioning of the party and will take action against party leaders who act against the party lines,” Samant said, without naming former party president Uddhav Thackeray and 16 MLAs who are loyal to him.

    Shinde’s revolt against Thackeray’s leadership last June brought down the Thackeray-led Sena-Congress-NCP government in Maharashtra.

    The Thackeray camp has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the validity of Shinde group’s defection and the way the Shinde-led government was formed with the support of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

    MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will remain the ‘chief leader’ of the Shiv Sena, it was decided at its first national executive meeting held here on Tuesday evening.

    State industries minister Uday Samant made the announcement about the resolutions passed in the meeting.

    The Election Commission of India last week recognized the Shinde faction as the real Shiv Sena, and allotted it the poll symbol of the party, bow and arrow.

    The rival factions led by Shinde and former CM Uddhav Thackeray are locked in legal battles over the control of the Shiv Sena.

    “The meeting was chaired by the chief leader of the Shiv Sena, chief minister Eknath Shinde,” Samant said. It resolved to form a disciplinary committee,” he added.

    Other resolutions included the demand for a posthumous Bharat Ratna for freedom fighters and Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.

    Another resolution passed at the meeting demanded the inclusion of Sambhaji Maharaj, Veermata Jijabai and Ahilyabai Holkar in the list of “national personalities.”

    Samant did not specify what role Uddhav Thackeray will have in this new Shiv Sena.

    The disciplinary committee would be headed by state ports development minister Dada Bhuse; excise minister Shambhuraj Desai and Sanjay More will be its other members.

    “The disciplinary committee will ensure the smooth functioning of the party and will take action against party leaders who act against the party lines,” Samant said, without naming former party president Uddhav Thackeray and 16 MLAs who are loyal to him.

    Shinde’s revolt against Thackeray’s leadership last June brought down the Thackeray-led Sena-Congress-NCP government in Maharashtra.

    The Thackeray camp has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the validity of Shinde group’s defection and the way the Shinde-led government was formed with the support of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

  • Shiv Sena rift: SC reserves order on reviewing Nabam Rebia verdict to larger bench

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Noting that the issue of reference can’t be considered isolated from facts, the Supreme Court on Friday declined immediate reference of SCs 2016 ruling in Nabam Rebia to a seven-judge bench. 

    SC in Nabam Rebia had ruled that the Assembly speaker cannot proceed with a plea for disqualification of MLAs if a prior notice seeking his removal is a pending decision in the House. 

    The reference was sought by former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray as the judgement had come to the rescue of the rebel MLAs led by Eknath Shinde, now the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

    The Thackeray faction had sought their disqualification even while a notice of the Shinde group for the removal of Maharashtra Assembly deputy speaker Narhari Sitaram Zirwal, a Thackeray loyalist, was pending before the House.

    While pronouncing the order, CJI DY Chandrachud also said that if reference of the decision in Nabam Rebia to a larger bench is warranted would have to be determined together with the merits of the case and posted the case to be heard on merits from February 21. 

    “The issue of whether a reference to a bench of 7-judges is to be made cannot be considered in the abstract, isolated and divorced from the facts of the case. Whether the principle formulated in Nabam Rebia has an impact on the factual position in the present case needs deliberation. Against the above backdrop, the issue of whether the reference of the decision in Nabam Rebia to a larger bench is warranted would be determined together with the merits of the case. Consequently, the batch of cases is set down for hearing on merits on Tuesday, February 21,” the court said in its order. 

    During the hearing, CJI DY Chandrachud had yesterday opined that bar on the speaker for entertaining a disqualification plea while a resolution for his removal has been issued much be attached since the speaker acts as an adjudicator under the 10th schedule. He also added that this has very serious consequences as finality is also added to adjudication since MLAs lose their seats. CJI further added that the speaker perhaps created a problem himself maybe out of political exigency. 

    NEW DELHI: Noting that the issue of reference can’t be considered isolated from facts, the Supreme Court on Friday declined immediate reference of SCs 2016 ruling in Nabam Rebia to a seven-judge bench. 

    SC in Nabam Rebia had ruled that the Assembly speaker cannot proceed with a plea for disqualification of MLAs if a prior notice seeking his removal is a pending decision in the House. 

    The reference was sought by former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray as the judgement had come to the rescue of the rebel MLAs led by Eknath Shinde, now the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

    The Thackeray faction had sought their disqualification even while a notice of the Shinde group for the removal of Maharashtra Assembly deputy speaker Narhari Sitaram Zirwal, a Thackeray loyalist, was pending before the House.

    While pronouncing the order, CJI DY Chandrachud also said that if reference of the decision in Nabam Rebia to a larger bench is warranted would have to be determined together with the merits of the case and posted the case to be heard on merits from February 21. 

    “The issue of whether a reference to a bench of 7-judges is to be made cannot be considered in the abstract, isolated and divorced from the facts of the case. Whether the principle formulated in Nabam Rebia has an impact on the factual position in the present case needs deliberation. Against the above backdrop, the issue of whether the reference of the decision in Nabam Rebia to a larger bench is warranted would be determined together with the merits of the case. Consequently, the batch of cases is set down for hearing on merits on Tuesday, February 21,” the court said in its order. 

    During the hearing, CJI DY Chandrachud had yesterday opined that bar on the speaker for entertaining a disqualification plea while a resolution for his removal has been issued much be attached since the speaker acts as an adjudicator under the 10th schedule. He also added that this has very serious consequences as finality is also added to adjudication since MLAs lose their seats. CJI further added that the speaker perhaps created a problem himself maybe out of political exigency. 

  • Uddhav’s Shiva Sena announces alliance with Prakash Ambedkar’s Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: The Shiv Sena (UBT) and Prakash Ambedkar’s Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi on Monday announced an alliance, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Shiv Sena founder late Bal Thackeray.

    Addressing a joint press conference, Uddhav Thackeray said his grandfather Keshav Thackeray, also known as Prabodhankar Thackeray, and Prakash Ambedkar’s grandfather, legendary social icon and jurist B R Ambedkar, were contemporaries who admired each other and worked to eradicate social evils and bad practices.

    “Now there are some bad practices in politics and to eradicate them, the inheritors of these two leaders, and people around them, have come together to protect the country’s interest. We are coming together to ensure democracy is alive,” Thackeray said.

    Without naming the Bharatiya Janata Party, which is ruling in Maharashtra as well as at the Centre, Thackeray said the country is heading towards autocracy.

    He also dared the powers-that-be to hold Assembly polls in Maharashtra at the earliest.

    The state is being ruled by a faction of the Sena that broke away in June last year and the Bharatiya Janata Party, and the Thackeray group has routinely called it a dispensation of “traitors”.

    Speaking about the alliance, which has been forged ahead of civic polls due in several cities, including Mumbai and Thane, Ambedkar said the coming together of the VBA and Shiv Sena (UBT) was the start of the politics of change.

    The alliance talks between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the VBA were underway for the last few months, with Ambedkar earlier saying it was up to Thackeray to make the formal announcement.

    Ambedkar also said the alliance is between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the VBA for the moment, but he hoped other constituents of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party) also join.

    Thackeray said he has not seen opposition from the Congress and NCP to the inclusion of VBA in the MVA.

    Last month, the Jogendra Kawade-led People’s Republican Party (PRP), which has a following among Dalits in the state, had joined hands with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena.

    The BJP, which is a partner in Shinde’s government, is allied with the Republican Party of India (A) of Ramdas Athawale, who is also a Union minister.

    MUMBAI: The Shiv Sena (UBT) and Prakash Ambedkar’s Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi on Monday announced an alliance, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Shiv Sena founder late Bal Thackeray.

    Addressing a joint press conference, Uddhav Thackeray said his grandfather Keshav Thackeray, also known as Prabodhankar Thackeray, and Prakash Ambedkar’s grandfather, legendary social icon and jurist B R Ambedkar, were contemporaries who admired each other and worked to eradicate social evils and bad practices.

    “Now there are some bad practices in politics and to eradicate them, the inheritors of these two leaders, and people around them, have come together to protect the country’s interest. We are coming together to ensure democracy is alive,” Thackeray said.

    Without naming the Bharatiya Janata Party, which is ruling in Maharashtra as well as at the Centre, Thackeray said the country is heading towards autocracy.

    He also dared the powers-that-be to hold Assembly polls in Maharashtra at the earliest.

    The state is being ruled by a faction of the Sena that broke away in June last year and the Bharatiya Janata Party, and the Thackeray group has routinely called it a dispensation of “traitors”.

    Speaking about the alliance, which has been forged ahead of civic polls due in several cities, including Mumbai and Thane, Ambedkar said the coming together of the VBA and Shiv Sena (UBT) was the start of the politics of change.

    The alliance talks between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the VBA were underway for the last few months, with Ambedkar earlier saying it was up to Thackeray to make the formal announcement.

    Ambedkar also said the alliance is between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the VBA for the moment, but he hoped other constituents of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party) also join.

    Thackeray said he has not seen opposition from the Congress and NCP to the inclusion of VBA in the MVA.

    Last month, the Jogendra Kawade-led People’s Republican Party (PRP), which has a following among Dalits in the state, had joined hands with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena.

    The BJP, which is a partner in Shinde’s government, is allied with the Republican Party of India (A) of Ramdas Athawale, who is also a Union minister.

  • Border row: Meeting in Delhi achieved nothing, favoured Karnataka, claims Uddhav

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said that nothing came out of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s meeting with the chief ministers of Maharashtra and Karnataka over the border dispute.

    Speaking at a press conference after a meeting with his Maha Vikas Aghadi allies Congress and NCP, he also said it was difficult to believe that some tweets from the verified handle of Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on the issue were not actually posted by him.

    “What was achieved by yesterday’s meeting of Union home minister Amit Shah with chief ministers of Maharashtra and Karnataka? It was rubbing of salt into our wounds. As always, the deliberations favoured Karnataka,” Thackeray said.

    The former chief minister demanded to know why Karnataka holds legislature sessions in Belagavi (the north Karnataka city which is the main bone of contention between the two states) and accorded it the status of second capital when the border dispute was before the Supreme Court.

    ”Belagavi, Karwar, Nipani and other surrounding areas (of northern Karnataka) want to join Maharashtra. Why are there no answers to this demand,” he asked.

    He also sought to know why the Karnataka chief minister waited till Wednesday’s meeting in Delhi to clarify that some ‘fake’ Twitter handles were posting tweets in his name that fuelled tensions.

    “What action has been taken till now? Is it believable?” he asked.

    The MVA meeting was attended by NCP leader Ajit Pawar and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan.

    On a protest march organised by the MVA on Saturday in Mumbai, Thackeray said “all those who love Maharashtra should join it.”

    READ HERE | Karnataka, Maharashtra arm-wrestle over border areas

    Issues such as the border dispute with Karnataka, `insult’ of Maharashtrian icons and industrial projects going to other states would be highlighted during the march which will start from J J Flyover and end at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in south Mumbai, Pawar and Thackeray said.

    Union minister Shah met the chief ministers of the two states on Wednesday after violence flared up in the border region where Maharashtra has staked claim on 865 Marathi-speaking villages in Karnataka besides Belagavi.

    Of late, Karnataka too has staked claims to south Solapur and Akkalkote regions of Maharashtra, that have a sizeable Kannada speaking population.

    MUMBAI: Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said that nothing came out of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s meeting with the chief ministers of Maharashtra and Karnataka over the border dispute.

    Speaking at a press conference after a meeting with his Maha Vikas Aghadi allies Congress and NCP, he also said it was difficult to believe that some tweets from the verified handle of Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on the issue were not actually posted by him.

    “What was achieved by yesterday’s meeting of Union home minister Amit Shah with chief ministers of Maharashtra and Karnataka? It was rubbing of salt into our wounds. As always, the deliberations favoured Karnataka,” Thackeray said.

    The former chief minister demanded to know why Karnataka holds legislature sessions in Belagavi (the north Karnataka city which is the main bone of contention between the two states) and accorded it the status of second capital when the border dispute was before the Supreme Court.

    ”Belagavi, Karwar, Nipani and other surrounding areas (of northern Karnataka) want to join Maharashtra. Why are there no answers to this demand,” he asked.

    He also sought to know why the Karnataka chief minister waited till Wednesday’s meeting in Delhi to clarify that some ‘fake’ Twitter handles were posting tweets in his name that fuelled tensions.

    “What action has been taken till now? Is it believable?” he asked.

    The MVA meeting was attended by NCP leader Ajit Pawar and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan.

    On a protest march organised by the MVA on Saturday in Mumbai, Thackeray said “all those who love Maharashtra should join it.”

    READ HERE | Karnataka, Maharashtra arm-wrestle over border areas

    Issues such as the border dispute with Karnataka, `insult’ of Maharashtrian icons and industrial projects going to other states would be highlighted during the march which will start from J J Flyover and end at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in south Mumbai, Pawar and Thackeray said.

    Union minister Shah met the chief ministers of the two states on Wednesday after violence flared up in the border region where Maharashtra has staked claim on 865 Marathi-speaking villages in Karnataka besides Belagavi.

    Of late, Karnataka too has staked claims to south Solapur and Akkalkote regions of Maharashtra, that have a sizeable Kannada speaking population.

  • Border row: Maha minister asks Sanjay Raut to ‘control his tongue’ to avoid ‘resting’ again; latter hits back

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Maharashtra minister Shambhuraj Desai on Wednesday asked Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, who was released from a Mumbai jail on bail in a money laundering case last month, to “control” his tongue if he has to avoid “taking rest” again.

    Desai, who is the state Excise Minister, was targeting Raut for his criticism of the Eknath Shinde-led government over the simmering border dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka.

    Raut walked out of Mumbai’s Arthur Road jail on November 9 after a special court granted him bail in a money laundering case.

    He was arrested on August 1 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a case related to a housing project in suburban Goregaon.

    Raut has been targeting the Shinde government over the Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute over the past few days.

    On Wednesday, he demanded that Belagavi in Karnataka be declared a Union Territory and claimed incidents of violence in Belagavi cannot take place without “Delhi’s support”.

    Hitting out at Maharashtra CM Shinde, saying the state government appeared weak and helpless to counter such attacks, Raut also alleged that attempts were being made to make Maharashtra unstable.

    Talking to reporters here, Desai, one of the two ministers from Maharashtra who was deputed to visit Belagavi amid the border row, slammed Raut over the issue.

    “It looks like the outside atmosphere doesn’t suit you (Raut). You should control your tongue to avoid going back to rest,” he said, adding that Raut came out (of jail) after “resting” for three-and-a-half months.

    Earlier, state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule had also wondered if Raut has learnt provocative language in jail.

    Desai claimed that Raut, who is the leader of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has said he would visit Belagavi under the leadership of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar.

    ”Will he not go under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray? We were warning Uddhavji not to trust Sanjay Raut who has bowed before NCP,” he said and asked why Raut hasn’t gone to Belagavi to complete a court formality over his speech there some years ago.

    Hitting back at Desai, Raut openly commented on Twitter. 

    Is ths an open threat,Mr Minister?While State govt is mum on the issue of our Pride,those raising voice for Maharashtra r seen as enemiesIt’s evident tht Law & Judiciary is undr pressureBt ppl wil not sit n watchIt’s clear now,those speakng the Truth wil b sent to jail! pic.twitter.com/ZmQEKDBNiB
    — Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) December 7, 2022
    Minister Desai has threatened him to keep quiet or go back to jail, Raut said, adding that state BJP president Bawankule uses the same language.

    “Well, I have a question – do they own the law and judiciary of the country? Remember this is the land of great Dr Ambedkar and Ramshastri,” he said.

    The decades-old raging dispute between the two states spilled onto roads on Tuesday with stones being hurled at vehicles entering Karnataka from the Maharashtra side near a toll booth at Hirebaugwadi in Belagavi district.

    Similarly, at least four buses from Karnataka were defaced in Pune district allegedly by activists of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

    MUMBAI: Maharashtra minister Shambhuraj Desai on Wednesday asked Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, who was released from a Mumbai jail on bail in a money laundering case last month, to “control” his tongue if he has to avoid “taking rest” again.

    Desai, who is the state Excise Minister, was targeting Raut for his criticism of the Eknath Shinde-led government over the simmering border dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka.

    Raut walked out of Mumbai’s Arthur Road jail on November 9 after a special court granted him bail in a money laundering case.

    He was arrested on August 1 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a case related to a housing project in suburban Goregaon.

    Raut has been targeting the Shinde government over the Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute over the past few days.

    On Wednesday, he demanded that Belagavi in Karnataka be declared a Union Territory and claimed incidents of violence in Belagavi cannot take place without “Delhi’s support”.

    Hitting out at Maharashtra CM Shinde, saying the state government appeared weak and helpless to counter such attacks, Raut also alleged that attempts were being made to make Maharashtra unstable.

    Talking to reporters here, Desai, one of the two ministers from Maharashtra who was deputed to visit Belagavi amid the border row, slammed Raut over the issue.

    “It looks like the outside atmosphere doesn’t suit you (Raut). You should control your tongue to avoid going back to rest,” he said, adding that Raut came out (of jail) after “resting” for three-and-a-half months.

    Earlier, state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule had also wondered if Raut has learnt provocative language in jail.

    Desai claimed that Raut, who is the leader of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has said he would visit Belagavi under the leadership of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar.

    ”Will he not go under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray? We were warning Uddhavji not to trust Sanjay Raut who has bowed before NCP,” he said and asked why Raut hasn’t gone to Belagavi to complete a court formality over his speech there some years ago.

    Hitting back at Desai, Raut openly commented on Twitter. 

    Is ths an open threat,Mr Minister?
    While State govt is mum on the issue of our Pride,those raising voice for Maharashtra r seen as enemies
    It’s evident tht Law & Judiciary is undr pressure
    Bt ppl wil not sit n watch
    It’s clear now,those speakng the Truth wil b sent to jail! pic.twitter.com/ZmQEKDBNiB
    — Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) December 7, 2022
    Minister Desai has threatened him to keep quiet or go back to jail, Raut said, adding that state BJP president Bawankule uses the same language.

    “Well, I have a question – do they own the law and judiciary of the country? Remember this is the land of great Dr Ambedkar and Ramshastri,” he said.

    The decades-old raging dispute between the two states spilled onto roads on Tuesday with stones being hurled at vehicles entering Karnataka from the Maharashtra side near a toll booth at Hirebaugwadi in Belagavi district.

    Similarly, at least four buses from Karnataka were defaced in Pune district allegedly by activists of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

  • Completely unconstitutional govt run in Maharashtra: Uddhav faction; SC to hear pleas on Jan 13

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Uddhav Thackeray-led faction of the Shiv Sena on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that a “completely unconstitutional government is being run” in Maharashtra.

    A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha said it will hear a batch of petitions on the Maharashtra political crisis on January 13 as it will not be possible for the five-judge Constitution bench to sit next week, which will be for miscellaneous matters.

    It said, “In next week it won’t be possible to take up the matter as it will be a miscellaneous week.

    It will not be possible for five judges to sit in a constitution bench during next week.

    We will take up the matter on January 13, 2023.”

    The top court made the remark after senior advocate Devadatt Kamat, appearing for the Uddhav faction said, “There is some urgency in the matter as a completely unconstitutional government is being run in the state.”

    The bench said that on January 13, it will take up the matter.

    Kamat requested the court to at least keep the matters for directions and the hearing may commence on January 13.

    The bench said, “Yes, we will commence the hearing on that day.”

    On November 1, the top court had said that it will hear the batch of pleas on the Maharashtra political crisis filed by the Shiv Sena factions led by Thackeray and Eknath Shinde on November 29, when it is likely to issue some directions.

    The five-judge bench headed by the CJI had asked both parties to file their written submissions and a joint compilation on the issues to be adjudicated by the constitution bench.

    On August 23, a three-judge bench of the top court headed by then chief justice N V Ramana had formulated several questions of law and referred to a five-judge bench the petitions filed by the factions raising several constitutional questions related to defection, merger and disqualification.

    The top court had ordered the listing of petitions before the constitution bench and directed the Election Commission not to pass any orders on the Shinde faction’s plea that it be considered the real Shiv Sena and granted the party’s poll symbol.

    It had said the batch of petitions raise important constitutional issues relating to the 10th schedule of the Constitution pertaining to disqualification, power of the Speaker and Governor and judicial review.

    NEW DELHI: The Uddhav Thackeray-led faction of the Shiv Sena on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that a “completely unconstitutional government is being run” in Maharashtra.

    A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha said it will hear a batch of petitions on the Maharashtra political crisis on January 13 as it will not be possible for the five-judge Constitution bench to sit next week, which will be for miscellaneous matters.

    It said, “In next week it won’t be possible to take up the matter as it will be a miscellaneous week.

    It will not be possible for five judges to sit in a constitution bench during next week.

    We will take up the matter on January 13, 2023.”

    The top court made the remark after senior advocate Devadatt Kamat, appearing for the Uddhav faction said, “There is some urgency in the matter as a completely unconstitutional government is being run in the state.”

    The bench said that on January 13, it will take up the matter.

    Kamat requested the court to at least keep the matters for directions and the hearing may commence on January 13.

    The bench said, “Yes, we will commence the hearing on that day.”

    On November 1, the top court had said that it will hear the batch of pleas on the Maharashtra political crisis filed by the Shiv Sena factions led by Thackeray and Eknath Shinde on November 29, when it is likely to issue some directions.

    The five-judge bench headed by the CJI had asked both parties to file their written submissions and a joint compilation on the issues to be adjudicated by the constitution bench.

    On August 23, a three-judge bench of the top court headed by then chief justice N V Ramana had formulated several questions of law and referred to a five-judge bench the petitions filed by the factions raising several constitutional questions related to defection, merger and disqualification.

    The top court had ordered the listing of petitions before the constitution bench and directed the Election Commission not to pass any orders on the Shinde faction’s plea that it be considered the real Shiv Sena and granted the party’s poll symbol.

    It had said the batch of petitions raise important constitutional issues relating to the 10th schedule of the Constitution pertaining to disqualification, power of the Speaker and Governor and judicial review.

  • Shinde faction hits back at Uddhav, threatens to reveal  ‘khokhe in fridge’

    Express News Service

    MUMB AI:  Responding to ‘khokhe sarkar’ remark, Maharashtra’s Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction has threatened Uddhav Thackeray with revealing all details about ‘khokhe’ in the fridge box and where it has gone.

    Opposition, particularly Uddhav Thackeray factions have cornered the Shinde camp over Khokhe Sarkar’s jibe. Khokhe means immoral money. It was alleged that BJP paid Rs 50 crore to each of Eknath Shinde’s 41 MLAs who overthrew Uddhav Thackeray’s government. This operation lotus has been referred to as ‘khokhe, and the incumbent Shinde-Fadnavis government as a ‘khokhe sarkar.’ 

    Uddhav Thackeray, addressing the public rally in Vidarbha, said that the Shinde-Fadnavis government is infamous as “khokhe sarkar.” He said, “Even Bachchu Kadu , an independent MLA, said that at weddings and social gatherings, people talk about the khokhe joke, and that this is inappropriate, humiliating, and damaging to the image he has carved over the last several years. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said there is a limit to ridiculing anyone. He asserted that they will no longer tolerate such low level and damaging remarks against their government.

    “We will also probe where the khokhe went through the fridge box? We will reveal all the details about it. Has the boxes from the container gone through the fridge boxes? The entire state of Maharashtra knows who can take these boxes and is capable of doing so.

    One day, all things will come into the limelight,” Shinde warned. The Shinde camp claimed that Uddhav Thackeray used to take and transport money (Kokhe) through refrigerator boxes at secure locations. Shinde camp MLA Deepak Kesarkar alleged that one day they will also reveal who has taken money through the fridge box.

    “There is a limit to lying about Khokhe? We have not taken a single penny from anyone. Uddhav Thackeray has lost his government due to his own fault; therefore, he has been making such baseless allegations against us,” Kesarkar said. Earlier, the Shinde camp also alleged that if anyone calls them khokhe sarkar, then they may file defamation cases against them.

    MUMB AI:  Responding to ‘khokhe sarkar’ remark, Maharashtra’s Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction has threatened Uddhav Thackeray with revealing all details about ‘khokhe’ in the fridge box and where it has gone.

    Opposition, particularly Uddhav Thackeray factions have cornered the Shinde camp over Khokhe Sarkar’s jibe. Khokhe means immoral money. It was alleged that BJP paid Rs 50 crore to each of Eknath Shinde’s 41 MLAs who overthrew Uddhav Thackeray’s government. This operation lotus has been referred to as ‘khokhe, and the incumbent Shinde-Fadnavis government as a ‘khokhe sarkar.’ 

    Uddhav Thackeray, addressing the public rally in Vidarbha, said that the Shinde-Fadnavis government is infamous as “khokhe sarkar.” He said, “Even Bachchu Kadu , an independent MLA, said that at weddings and social gatherings, people talk about the khokhe joke, and that this is inappropriate, humiliating, and damaging to the image he has carved over the last several years. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said there is a limit to ridiculing anyone. He asserted that they will no longer tolerate such low level and damaging remarks against their government.

    “We will also probe where the khokhe went through the fridge box? We will reveal all the details about it. Has the boxes from the container gone through the fridge boxes? The entire state of Maharashtra knows who can take these boxes and is capable of doing so.

    One day, all things will come into the limelight,” Shinde warned. The Shinde camp claimed that Uddhav Thackeray used to take and transport money (Kokhe) through refrigerator boxes at secure locations. Shinde camp MLA Deepak Kesarkar alleged that one day they will also reveal who has taken money through the fridge box.

    “There is a limit to lying about Khokhe? We have not taken a single penny from anyone. Uddhav Thackeray has lost his government due to his own fault; therefore, he has been making such baseless allegations against us,” Kesarkar said. Earlier, the Shinde camp also alleged that if anyone calls them khokhe sarkar, then they may file defamation cases against them.

  • Rahul calls up Sanjay Raut; Sena MP says such gestures becoming rare in times of political bitterness

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut on Monday said he received a call from Congress MP Rahul Gandhi who enquired about his health and claimed such gestures were becoming rare in times of “political bitterness”.

    Raut said Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, a mass contact initiative underway from September 7, is getting a massive response because he is “focussing on love and compassion”.

    The Rajya Sabha member’s praise for Gandhi comes at a time when the latter has been facing flak for his remarks on freedom fighter V D Savarkar.

    Former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray last week said his party has immense respect for Savarkar and they do not approve of Gandhi’s remarks about the late Hindutva ideologue.

    Gandhi recently called Savarkar a symbol of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He had also claimed that Savarkar helped the British rulers and wrote a mercy petition to them out of fear.

    Raut, who was recently granted bail in a money laundering case, in a tweet on Monday said, “In spite of strong differences of opinion on some issues, inquiring on your political colleague is a sign of humanity! During his busy schedule of Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhiji called yesterday to inquire abt my health.

    ‘We were worried for you’ he said (sic). ” I appreciate his empathy of feeling the pain of a political colleague who spent 110 days in jail. In times of political bitterness, such gestures are becoming rare. Rahulji is focusing on love & compassion in his yatra and hence it is getting a massive response,” he added.

    Raut was released from Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail earlier this month after a court granted him bail in a money laundering case.

    MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut on Monday said he received a call from Congress MP Rahul Gandhi who enquired about his health and claimed such gestures were becoming rare in times of “political bitterness”.

    Raut said Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, a mass contact initiative underway from September 7, is getting a massive response because he is “focussing on love and compassion”.

    The Rajya Sabha member’s praise for Gandhi comes at a time when the latter has been facing flak for his remarks on freedom fighter V D Savarkar.

    Former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray last week said his party has immense respect for Savarkar and they do not approve of Gandhi’s remarks about the late Hindutva ideologue.

    Gandhi recently called Savarkar a symbol of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He had also claimed that Savarkar helped the British rulers and wrote a mercy petition to them out of fear.

    Raut, who was recently granted bail in a money laundering case, in a tweet on Monday said, “In spite of strong differences of opinion on some issues, inquiring on your political colleague is a sign of humanity! During his busy schedule of Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhiji called yesterday to inquire abt my health.

    ‘We were worried for you’ he said (sic). ” I appreciate his empathy of feeling the pain of a political colleague who spent 110 days in jail. In times of political bitterness, such gestures are becoming rare. Rahulji is focusing on love & compassion in his yatra and hence it is getting a massive response,” he added.

    Raut was released from Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail earlier this month after a court granted him bail in a money laundering case.