As the Shiv Sena goes on the offensive, seeking the disqualification of rebel MLAs threatening the Uddhav Thackeray-led coalition's survival, two MLAs have called for the removal of the man who could be the key decision-maker.
Mahesh Baldi and Vinod Agarwal, both independent MLAs, have moved for the removal of Maharashtra Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal, who is from Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
Mr Zirwal has taken a series of steps to upset the rebels. After receiving the Shiv Sena's request to disqualify 16 rebels including Eknath Shinde, he issued notices to the rebels today.
The Deputy Speaker also cleared the appointment of Ajay Chaudhary to replace Eknath Shinde as leader of the Sena in the assembly. Mr Shinde has called the move illegal, saying that Mr Chaudhary's name was proposed by the "minority faction" and that he represents the "real Sena".
To stop Mr Zirwal, the two independent MLAs, who are believed to be close to the BJP, have filed a no-confidence motion against him. Referring to a Supreme Court judgment, the MLAs have said the Deputy Speaker can't legally take any action on the disqualification plea against rebel Shiv Sena MLAs.
They cite a case from Arunachal Pradesh, in which the Supreme Court said Speakers cannot decide on disqualification if a no-confidence motion is pending against them.
Mahesh Baldi said he told Mr Zirwal he was not in a position to disqualify anyone.
"I told the Deputy Speaker that we found from the media you are expelling 12 MLAs. You are yourself facing no-confidence motion. In the circumstances, you cannot disqualify anyone. We will soon initiate legal steps," Mr Baldi told NDTV.
"If they want to disqualify all 288 MLAs, they can. Only Speaker will remain then," he shrugged.
Mr Baldi said he was against the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) of Sharad Pawar.
"The MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi) government doesn't have the numbers and they can't disqualify any MLA," he said.
Would he approach the court if the MLAs were disqualified? "We will definitely go to the court," Mr Baldi said.
The Maharashtra Speaker's post has been vacant since February 2021, when Congress leader Nana Patole was appointed the party's state chief.
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