NASHIK: Former minister and Shiv Sena MLA Deepak Kesarkar, who is now in the Eknath Shinde camp, told TOI on Friday that the rebel group is in no hurry to return to Maharashtra until two issues - the possible disqualification of 16 dissident MLAs and the appointment of the chief whip in the legislative assembly- are resolved.
Amid escalating political developments, Kesarkar said it was a 'bizarre' strategy that the MVA coalition was adopting to corner the Eknath Shinde group. "I wonder if they are aware of the constitutional provisions. The petition for disqualification of the 16 MLAs is on ground that they did not attend a meeting of Sena legislators. This meeting was called at very short notice and they must remember that Maharashtra is a big state and, in some parts, it takes at least 10-12 hours to reach Mumbai. How can these MLAs travel from their home district to Mumbai in such a short time? " he said.
On the appointment of a chief whip, the dissident MLA said, "How can they have their chief whip when their house strength has dwindled to 15 members. Our group has the support of 38 Sena MLAs. These moves are completely unconstitutional. If there is a vote of no-confidence, the downfall of the present government will be imminent."
On their next steps
Kesarkar: We are a group of 50 MLAs backing Eknath Shinde. The group is in no hurry to leave Guwahati till two vital issues are resolved. We will deal with these issues patiently and legally. If these 16 MLAs are disqualified by the deputy speaker, we will definitely challenge it in the court. It is mandatory to hear the MLAs before he (deputy speaker) gives his decision. Moreover, we have the support of 38 of our own MLAs and the Sena's chief whip must be from our group. We will go all out legally to nullify the appointment of the chief whip made by the rival faction.
On reconciliation with Matoshree
Kesarkar: The onus of a reconciliation lies entirely with chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and leaders of the rival faction. We have already made it clear that Sena must not have any truck with Congress and NCP. Although our rival faction has been claiming that Sena would not have any understanding with those two parties, the CM is holding a meeting with NCP supremo Sharad Pawar to discuss the present situation and trying to wriggle out of the tight spot for the MVA government's survival. The Shinde group will not take any U-turn on its stand under any circumstances.
