'Will reply legally': Rebel MLA Deepak Kesarkar on removal of Eknath Shinde as Shiv Sena leader

Eknath Shinde-led rebel camp has objected to Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray’s decision to remove Eknath Shinde from the post of Shiv Sena leader. Its spokesman Deepak Kesarkar claimed the move was illegal but clarified that they will not speak against Thackeray nor give any befitting reply as he is still their leader.

Kesarkar said that they will reply to it legally, but the sender should introspect whether he is doing insult to the people of Maharashtra or not. ‘’If Thackeray doesn't reverse the decision, then legal action would be taken. All elected MLAs have appointed Shinde as the group leader. His removal as the Legislative Assembly group leader has also been challenged in the Supreme court. We will respond to Thackeray legally," he added.

Kesarkar said that Shinde, as chief minister, was now the leader of the Legislative Assembly. ‘’We have decided that we will not respond to any statements from Uddhav Thackeray. He is our leader and we respect him," he noted.

Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray 'removed' Eknath Shinde as a 'Shiv Sena Leader' for allegedly indulging in 'anti-party' activities. The letter said: "You have been indulging in anti-party activities and have voluntarily given up your membership of Shiv Sena." Thackeray’s move came after the Shiv Sena national executive had authorised him to take disciplinary action against Shinde after his revolt.

‘’Workers are signing a Rs 100 affidavit that they won't leave Shiv Sena. Shiv Bandhan is the 'bandhan' of love and it’s still with us. This is just to misguide the workers," Kesarkar said in his comment on the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena’s move seeking an affidavit for their unstinted support to Thackeray’s leadership.

Published on: Saturday, July 02, 2022, 11:23 PM IST