Shinde group takes over Shiv Sena party office in Vidhan Bhavan in Maharashtra

Controversy over ownership of party offices and clashes between Shinde and Thackeray factions ensued ever since the Election Commission recognised the Shinde faction as the real Shiv Sena. Against this backdrop, the Shinde faction on Monday took over the party office in Vidhan Bhavan, the state legislature.

Mumbai: Amid the controversy over ownership of party buildings, the MLAs of the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena on Monday took over the Shiv Sena party office in Vidhan Bhavan, the state legislature on Monday. Leader of the Shinde group Bharat Sheth Gogawle said one has to wait and watch what unfolds next. He said that had Uddhav Thackeray listened to the correct advice then he would not have had to face the current situation.

The Election Commission had given the party name and symbol to Eknath Shinde's faction and recognised it as the real Shiv Sena two days ago. Since then, clashes ensued between the two factions over taking over the party offices, branches and buildings across the state. A meeting of all the MLAs elected under the Shiv Sena's bow-and-arrow symbol has been called in the legislature today ahead of the budget session. On the sidelines of the meeting, the Shinde faction took over the party office. MLAs of the Shinde group, including Mangesh Kudalkar, Sada Saravankar, Chamanrao Patil, Lata Sonwane and others.

Responding to reporters, Pratod Bharat Gogawle said, "The decision of taking over the party branches and offices in the state will be taken after talking to MLAs and MPs and other office bearers." Criticising Uddhav Thackeray without naming him, Gogawale said "Thackeray has been brought to this position by certain people. If Thackeray would have listened to us then this situation would not have risen."

Meanwhile, the Thackeray faction has filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the Election Commission for recognising the Shinde faction as the real Shiv Sena. Before this, the Shinde faction had already filed a caveat in the apprehension of Thackeray moving court. The Shinde faction had requested the apex court to hear the Maharashtra government before giving its verdict. Gowale said that the Supreme Court operates according to the rules and not according to the wishes of someone.