Shinde camp’s show of strength with 42 rebel MLAs, also shares image to refute ‘kidnapping’ charge

New Delhi: In a show of strength after breaking away from Shiv Sena, the rebel MLAs came together for a group photograph at the Radisson hotel in Guwahati. The first photos of Shiv Sena minister Eknath Shinde along with 42 MLAs were released from the Guwahati hotel, aimed at sending across a strong message that they have outnumbered the Thackeray camp and hence represent the true voice of people.

In the video, the 42 MLAs could be seen sitting together and also chanting slogans,
“Shinde Saab Tum Aage Badho, Hum Tumhare Saath Hain.” (Shinde sir you move forward, we stand with you).

Out of the 42 rebels from Maharashtra to have rallied behind Shinde include 35 Shiv Sena MLAs and 7 Independent MLAs. Not just a massive trouble for Uddhav government but it’s also a major embarrassment for the party as Uddhav is seen losing clout over the party. Only 13 loyalist MLAs are said to be with Uddhav as they appeared for a meeting today.

Shinde camp needs support of 37 MLAs to avoid disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law. Once they cross this magic number, they can exercise their voting right in the Assembly to their choice. Those with the knowhow of law say that Shinde camp can now also issue a whip to ‘leftover’ Sena MLAs to vote in its favour.

Shinde camp dismisses kidnapping charge

Meanwhile, the Shinde camp has also dismissed kidnapping charges and released photos to debunk the false claims of MLA Nitin Deshmukh who returned to Sena fold.

Raut today claimed, “We have two MLAs, Kailash Patil and Nitin Deshmukh. They are present in Mumbai, one has come from Surat and another from Guwahati. They were literally kidnapped and taken into the hotel.”

The Shinde camp released a picture in which the rebel MLAs could be seen smiling and taking a selfie.

#MaharashtraPoliticalCrisis | After allegations of Shiv Sena MLA Nitin Deshmukh that he was forcibly taken to Surat, rebel leader Eknath Shinde camp releases earlier pictures of Nitin Deshmukh with other rebel MLAs pic.twitter.com/VQ6lWuP8cY

— ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2022