Maharashtra Political crisis: Rebel Shinde asks Uddhav to patch-up with BJP, break alliance with NCP, Congress

Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis' meeting with BJP leaders to discuss the current MVA government crisis has ended. The meeting was held at Sagar Bungalow, his official residence.

Ashish Shelar, Organization Minister Shrikant Bharti, Jaykumar Rawal, Ravindra Chavan and other leaders were present in the meeting.

A group photo of Eknath Shinde along with all rebel Sena MLAs has surfaced. The lawmakers are camping at a hotel in Gujarat's Surat.

Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde urged Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray to renew the party's alliance with the BJP, a senior Sena leader claimed.

The leader said Thackeray had sent his confidante Milind Narvekar and Shinde's aide Ravindra Phatak to Surat to talk to the rebel leader, who is camping there along with other Sena MLAs since Monday night. A call was made to Thackeray from Surat, the leader said.

"The chief minister also had a telephonic conversation with Shinde during which the latter asked him to renew ties with the BJP and break the alliance with Congress and the NCP," the leader said.

Thackeray's response to Shinde's demand was not known, the leader said.

Gujarat is the focal point of this earthquake. Modi-led Centre, which doesn't believe in democracy, has conspired to topple our government. MVA will fight this, we will win, said Maharashtra Congress leader Nana Patole on brewing political crisis in the state.

According to sources, Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde along with 33 Sena MLAs who are camping in Surat may leave for Guwahati soon. 

Reports say boarding passes of all the rebel MLAs are ready. The MLAs will fly on a Spice Jet flight.

Maharashtra Congress ministers and leaders will hold a meeting tomorrow at 11 am over the government crisis. Senior party leader Kamal Nath will be present in the meeting.

A crucial meeting is taking place at NCP chief Sharad Pawar's residence 'Silver Oak' in Mumbai over the current government crisis in the state.

Shiv Sena rebel leader Eknath Shinde met another lawmaker Nitin Deshmukh, who was admitted in the civil hospital and inquired about his well-being.

Shiv Sena MLAs in Mumbai have been shifted to a 5-star hotel, party leader Vinayak Raut has informed. The MVA is facing a government crisis in the state after Sena leader Eknath Shinde along with other MLAs is demanding CM Uddav Thackeray to leave the alliance and patch up with the BJP.

MVA meeting at the Varsha Bungalow ended a short while ago. Big leaders of NCP and Congress have left while Sena MLAs and MPs are present at the residence.

I'm in touch with our leaders... Our Congress MLAs are intact, no reason to worry. Today we're going to have a meeting... BJP playing 'Operation Kamal' in all those states wherever there's Opposition, said Maharashtra Cong-incharge HK Patil on brewing political crisis in state.

"It's BJP's pattern to attempt to topple governments in Opposition-ruled states... be it using ED, CBI or any means that can be of help... by hook or by crook... They are in haste to dismantle government in Maharashtra, but won't succeed," said Maharastra Minister and Congress leader Nitin Raut.

As the government crisis in Maharashtra unfolds further, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has called a cabinet meeting on Wednesday (tomorrow). The meeting will commence at 1 PM. 

Amid the current political crisis, two of our people went there (Surat). Talks happened with Eknath Shinde. He is our old friend... Everyone knows why we left BJP and Eknath Shinde is also a witness to that, said Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut.

"Shiv Sena leaders Milind Narvekar and Ravindra Phatak will convey about the talks they had with Eknath Shinde to CM Uddhav Thackeray," Raut said.

CM Thackeray calls cabinet meeting on Wednesday at 1 pm

Amid the political crisis, Uddhav Thackeray spoke to rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde over phone for 20 minutes.

Eknath Shinde insisted on patching up with BJP. Uddhav tried to convince him to come back to Mumbai and have a talk. However, Shinde was firm on his stand asking to think over it.

As per sources, there was no ice breaker in the talks.

But Shinde had clarified that he has not reached to any conclusions yet. Nor did he sign any document. He is raising demands only for the party's good and not for his personal interests.

According to sources, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray's wife Rashmi held a phone conversation with Eknath Shinde who is camping in Surat.

According to Rashmi Thackeray, Shinde said that they are not happy, try to understand their feelings... there is no harmony in MVA, there is no coordination, the party has deviated from the basic ideology, the MLAs are not being given... people are angry.

According to sources, only 22 Shiv Sena MLAs signed a letter asking the Maharashtra Speaker to remove Eknath Shinde as leader of the legislature party.

Meanwhile, Shinde and other Shiv Sena MLAs (around 35) are camping in Gujarat's Surat.

Shiv Sena leaders Milind Narvekar and Ravindra Phatak leave hotel in Surat where rebel leader Shinde is lodging.

Shiv Sena leaders met Deputy Speaker of Maharashtra Assembly Narhari Zirwal and handed over him a letter requesting to remove Eknath Shinde from the Legislative party leader's post and replace him with Ajay Chaudhary as Shiv Sena Legislative party leader.

The way attempts are being made to topple govt in Maharashtra shows that BJP is power-hungry. Our alliance is with Shiv Sena, what's happening in their house is Shive Sena's responsibility &Uddhav Thackeray will look into it. Our govt (in Maharashtra) will continue...Even BJP can't form govt, they can buy some people to create instability but won't succeed: Congress Harish Rawat

Milind Narvekar, is said to be close to CM Uddhav and the Ravindra Phatak is an MLA from Thane. Narvekar is known to be the 'Sankat Mochak' or troubleshooter of Shiv Sena.

Shiv Sena leaders Milind Narvekar and Ravindra Phatak reach Surat to speak with rebel leader Eknath Shinde.

The Congress has claimed that all its 44 MLAs are in touch with party leader Balasaheb Thorat.

Amid Maharashtra minister Eknath Shinde and some Shiv Sena MLAs going incommunicado,  party legislator Nitin Deshmukh's wife has filed a police complaint of her husband going 'missing', a police official said on Tuesday. Nitin Deshmukh is the Shiv Sena MLA from Balapur in Akola district. His wife Pranjali Deshmukh filed a complaint at the Civil Lines police station in Akola, stating that her husband was not reachable since Monday night, and asked police to find him soon, the official said. Earlier in the day, sources said Shinde and some other Shiv Sena MLAs are camping at a hotel in Gujarat's Surat city. The political developments came a day after the Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) suffered a setback in the Maharashtra Legislative Council polls when it lost one out of the six seats it contested.

It's too early to say anything, we're currently waiting & keeping an eye on the situation. Nor Eknath Shinde has sent proposal to BJP for govt formation, neither the BJP has sent any proposal to him. So far, there has not been any proposal regarding government formation neither from the BJP nor from Eknath Shinde but anything can happen in politics at any time: Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrakant Patil

BJP MLA Sanjay Kute arrives at Surat hotel to meet Eknath Shinde and other Shiv Sena MLAs. 

Shiv Sena has removed Eknath Shinde as leader of the legislative party group. Eknath Shinde has turned rebel along with some MLAs. They are currently at a Surat hotel. Sewri MLA Ajay Chaudhary to be the new Shiv Sena legislative party leader.

Shiv Sena has the responsibility of the CM and the deputy CM is from NCP. It is Shiv Sena's internal issue (Ekanth Shinde going to Surat). We will be with Shiv Sena and there's no conflict in the alliance: Sharad Pawar 

Eknath Shinde has never conveyed to us that he wants to be CM...This is an internal issue of Shiv Sena, whatever they decide we're with them.We don't think there is any need for change in the govt: NCP's Sharad Pawar on some MLAs of Shiv Sena&Eknath Shinde currently not reachable

Sharad Pawar said that the MVA government will continue in Maharashtra under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray. 

We aren't angry with anyone. We will talk to our partners on why this happened (MLC poll loss). I am confident we will reach a solution: NCP Supremo Sharad Pawar

NCP chief Sharad Pawar said that this is the third such incident happening in Maharashtra in 3 years. Two attempts were made earlier. The government is running very fine from the last 2.5 years. 

Senior Congress leader Kamal Nath will go to Maharashtra tomorrow in the morning. The Congress is a constituent of the ruling MVA in Maharashtra. 

A meeting of the NCP leaders are currently underway in Mumbai. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, Jayant Patil and Chhagan Bhujbal are present at the meeting. The NCP's prime task is to keep its MLAs intact. 

NCP leader Sharad Pawar could meet Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in the evening today, sources said. Sharad Pawar is currently in Delhi. He will address the media shortly.

Uddhav Thackeray has decided to send two party leaders to Surat for talks with Eknath Shinde. Shinde and some Sena MLAs have gone incommunicado since last night. The leaders are: Milind Narvekar and Ravindra Phatak.

A meeting was underway on Tuesday between Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Shiv Sena top leaders and MLAs, even as state minister Eknath Shinde was camping along with some party legislators in Gujarat. The meeting is being attended by party MLAs Sunil Kadam, Dada Bhuse, Neelam Gorhe, MPs Arvind Sawant and Vinayak Raut, MLC Manisha Kayande and other leaders.

Shiv Sena MLA Nitin Deshmukh was admitted to a hospital in Surat as he complained of health-related issues. He was brought back to the hotel after his checkup. 

Eknath Shinde is a Shiv Sena leader and Minister in the MVA government. Shinde is Sena's big leader in Thane and is credited for the party's rise in the state. He had recently accompanied Uddhav Thackeray's son Aditya Thackeray on his trip to Ayodhya.

Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrakant Patil also claimed that Sanjay Raut was solely responsible for frosty relations between the Sena and the BJP. "He (Raut) is also doing a lot of damage to the state...and he is doing it on someone's behalf," the BJP leader further claimed. The Shiv Sena had snapped ties with long-term ally after the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly polls over the issue of sharing the chief ministerial post. The Sena later tied-up with the NCP and Congress to form government in the state.

Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrakant Patil said that it is Shiv Sena's internal matter. "We are not aware why Shinde went to Surat with his party colleagues. We have nothing to do with his move." "If the BJP receives any proposal from Eknath Shinde to form government, we would definitely consider it seriously. After all, we all have worked together in the past, hence it is much better to work and run a government with them," he said.

I don't know what strategy was decided but we know he(Chandrakant Handore)had received several first preference votes. Still, he received very few votes. It's a matter of concern and sends out wrong message. Congress legislative party meet called today: Prithviraj Chavan

I will not comment on what is happening with any other party but we will discuss it in the right place if it is needed. This is not something to be discussed in public. Let's not go into ifs and buts. Voting (MLC) took place only yesterday. Our majority (numbers) has gone down a little, it is a matter of concern: Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan when asked if he can see the MVA losing numbers which will ultimately result in the toppling of the govt

Senior BJP leader and former state minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said his party has been consistently raising objections over the Shiv Sena-led government's style of functioning. "There was no secret that several Sena leaders were unhappy with the government as well," he said. Asked if the BJP would try to form government with the support of Shiv Sena 'rebel' MLAs, Mungantiwar said he would not comment on it as he has not spoken to his party colleagues about these developments. 

Maharashtra BJP president Chandrakant Patil on Tuesday said his party has got nothing to do with political developments in the ruling Shiv Sena, whose minister Eknath Shinde has gone incommunicado along with some MLAs. But, Patil also said if the BJP receives any proposal from Eknath Shinde to form government, they would "definitely consider it".

I have heard that our MLAs are in Surat, Gujarat and they are not being allowed to leave. But they will certainly return as all of them are dedicated to Shiv Sena. I trust that all our MLAs will return and everything will be fine. We are in touch with our MLAs who are in Surat now. We are discussing the situation with Uddhav Thackeray Ji and Pawar Sahib. Those working with the thought that they are kingmakers will be unsuccessful: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut

Some MLAs of Shiv Sena and Eknath Shinde are currently not reachable. Efforts are being made to topple the MVA government but BJP has to remember that Maharashtra is very different from Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh. I know Eknath Shinde Ji, he is a true Shiv Sainik. He will return without any conditions: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut

BJP misuses its power, they are taking the Indian democracy towards untruthfulness. I am sure the truth will win. I have called a meeting of all Maharashtra Congress leaders today: Maharashtra Congress leader Nana Patole on MLC elections

Maharashtra is different but is it their property? BJP is the largest party here, Devendra Fadnavis a popular leader. It is nobody's property. It can see what you did in 2.5 yrs. It's our duty to set things right. We care for Maharashtra, they care about power. Whatever is right for the people of Maharashtra will be done. Their interest is more important than their power. If it's needed for Maharashtra such a movement can take place: BJP leader Pravin Darekar

Maharashtra minister and senior Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde is not in Mumbai, but communication has been established with him, party MP Sanjay Raut said on Tuesday. Talking to reporters in Mumbai, Raut said it is a fact that contact with some MLAs could not be established on Monday night after the Legislative Council polls, but the party has been able to reach out to some of them now. "Eknath Shinde is not Mumbai, but communication has been established with him," Raut said. However, Raut did not elaborate on the number of MLAs who have gone incommunicado along with Shinde.

BJP's winning candidate claimed that cross-voting happened among members of Shiv Sena and Congress. "We are very happy. Maharashtra has shown faith in the BJP. Cross-voting happened among members of Shiv Sena and Congress. Otherwise, we would not have received so many votes. BJP will get more victory and receive 134 votes," said BJP leader Pravin Darekar. He further said that independent MLAs have shown their dissatisfaction with the state government.

MVA MLAs: Shiv Sena - 55 | NCP - 54 | Congress - 44 | Independent MLAs - 10. Small parties: BVA - 3 | SP - 2 | Prahar Janshakti Party - 2 | CPI (ML) - 1 [Total 171] 

BJP: 106 + 3 (Independent) + 16 (small parties' MLAs)

Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde is likely to address the media at noon from the Surat hotel. Shinde is upset with the party leadership for not involving in the MLC election exercise. 

No comments should be made on such things, else what is the point of being unreachable: Union Minister & BJP leader Narayan Rane on Maharashtra minister & Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde who is reportedly "unreachable"

BJP leader and former Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has left for Delhi. His Delhi visit comes in the backdrop of fresh political crisis in Maharashtra that cropped soon after the result of the MLC election was announced. 

NCP leader Jayant Patil alleged that there was horse-trading, while party MP Supriya Sule said the BJP won because of “MED” (Money and Enforcement Directorate).

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has called an emergency meeting after the MVA's loss in the MLC election. NCP chief Sharad Pawar has also called an emergency meeting of his party leaders in view of the fresh political crisis in Maharashtra. 

Police personnel have been deployed outside the residence of Eknath Shinde in Mumbai. Shinde is currently staying at a Surat hotel with around 10 Shiv Sena MLAs.

At least 10 Shiv Sena MLAs are unreachable. They are currently staying at a five-star hotel in Surat. The MLAs include Prakash Surve, Prakash Abitkar, Geeta Jain, Balaji Kinikar, Bharat Gogawale, Mahendra Dalvi, Mahendra Thorve, Shrinivas Vanga, Shantaram More and more.

Eknath Shinde is believed to be upset with the party leadership. The Shiv Sena is in trouble after several MLAs defied the party line in the MLC election and voted in favour of the opposition. 

Top Shiv Sena leader and Uddhav's minister Eknath Shinde is unreachable. It is believed that Shinde has moved to a hotel in Surat with 10 party MLAs. 

Sanjay Nirupam, another Congress leader, said there was an internal sabotage. 

The latest outcome has once again raised questions over the cohesiveness and coordination among the MVA allies -- Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress. Sena had in 2019 ended its ties with the BJP and sided with NCP and Congress after the Assembly election results. The alliance government is headed by Sena supremo Uddhav Thackeray. 

The results of the Council polls have come as a major boost to the BJP, which just 10 days ago, managed to win a third Rajya Sabha seat from Maharashtra despite lacking in numbers in the Assembly and in the process defeated its former ally Shiv Sena. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party had fielded two candidates for the Rajya Sabha polls, but one of them, Sanjay Pawar lost.

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis said that the result is an indication of unrest among MLAs against the state government. The BJP has 106 MLAs in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. It is the single largest party in the Assembly. The remaining votes for its candidates have either come from independent MLAs or those from small parties or from other parties.

Congress leader and Minister Balasaheb Thorat said the party can not blame others as its own MLAs did not vote for its candidate. “No one can be blamed when we don't get our first preference votes. We can't blame anyone. We have to look within. We have to introspect where we have gone wrong. We, as the government, have to introspect," he said.

The BJP had fielded Darekar, Ram Shinde, Uma Khapre, Shrikant Bharatiya and Prasad Lad. The first four bagged the minimum quota of votes in the first round. The fifth candidate of the BJP and Congress nominee Bhai Jagtap secured sufficient number of votes in the second round. The second Congress candidate, Chandrakant Handore, secured 22 first preference votes, while Jagtap got 19, but the latter managed to get more second preference votes. Handore could not make it to the finishing line.

Eight candidates, four of the BJP and two each of the Shiv Sena and NCP, secured a minimum quota of 26 votes each to win in the first round of voting. Chairman of Legislative Council and NCP candidate Ramraje Nimbalkar, Leader of Opposition in the Council Pravin Darekar of the BJP and former BJP minister and now NCP nominee Eknath Khadse won in the first round. Both the candidates of the Shiv Sena -- Sachin Ahir and Aamshya Padavi - also won. Congress' two nominees, however, failed to secure the minimum quota of first preference votes.

While the BJP had enough numbers in the Assembly to get four nominees elected to the Council easily, its fifth candidate Prasad Lad, too, made it to the Upper House of the state legislature. Lad secured support from MLAs outside his party. MVA candidate Chandrakant Handore (Congress), a former minister and a Dalit leader, lost.

The BJP won five seats in the Maharashtra Legislative Council election while the Shiv Sena and NCP bagged two seats each. Congress won 1 seat. Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress are ruling partners in Maharashtra.