Maharashtra Political Crisis highlights: 'Our MLAs are with us, it's Shiv Sena's matter', says Maharashtra Cong leader Nana Patole

The Shiv Sena sacked Eknath Shinde as its Legislative party leader after the leader from Thane went incommunicado along with other MLAs, after the Maha Vikas Aghadi government (MVA) suffered a back-to-back defeat in the June 10 Rajya Sabha polls and Monday's Maharashtra Legislative Council elections.

Power tussle in Maharashtra: Who is where?

Hundreds of Shiv Sena workers gathered outside the Shiv Sena headquarters in Mumbai on Tuesday to express solidarity with party president Uddhav Thackeray battling the rebellion by Sena minister Eknath Shinde who has gone incommunicado with some MLAs of the party and camping in Surat.

Amid the ongoing crisis, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray spoke to Shiv Sena rebel Eknath Shinde. Thackeray'e emissaries - his PA and Shiv Sena Secretary Milind Narvekar and Ravindra Pathak drove from Mumbai to Surat and met Shinde. They also facilitated a call between Thackeray and Shinde, which was an emotional 10 to 15-minute chat. What transpired is not yet officially known, however, according to reports, Shinde urged Thackeray to join hands with the BJP. "Don't make me a minister but join hands with BJP," he reportedly said. Meanwhile, Shinde also expressed his resentment on being removed as Shiv Sena group leader in Assembly as he was still an MLA and minister.

Uddhav should resign as Sena lacks support of sufficient MLAs in House: Narayan Rane

Union minister and BJP leader Narayan Rane on Tuesday demanded the resignation of Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray alleging that he lacked the support of sufficient MLAs in the Assembly in view of the revolt by Sena minister Eknath Shinde who is camping in Surat with some MLAs of his party. Though Shinde is yet to spell out his stand, Rane, a former Shiv Sainik, said Shinde has taken an "appropriate decision" to separate from Shiv Sena.(PTI)

Uddhav Thackeray's aides meet rebel Eknath Shinde in Surat hotel, leave for Mumbai

Two leaders of Shiv Sena dispatched by Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray met and held a detailed discussion with rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and other MLAs at a hotel in Surat on Tuesday to defuse the internecine crisis having the potential to threaten the survival of the MVA government in the neighbouring state. The discussions were held between Thackeray's confidants Milind Narvekar and Ravindra Phatak and Shinde and other MLAs at the hotel where they have been camping since the late Monday night. Narvekar and Phatak left for Mumbai by road without responding to queries of the media after the meeting which lasted for nearly two hours.(PTI)

CM Uddhav Thackeray speaks to rebel Eknath Shinde over a call

Shiv Sena leaders Milind Narvekar and Ravindra Phatak will convey about the talks they had with Eknath Shinde to CM Uddhav Thackeray, saysShiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut.

Thackeray huddles with top leaders, MLAs as aides meet Eknath Shinde in Surat

Resort politics returns as Maharashtra BJP relocates MLAs amid horse-trading fears

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is all set to fly its 106 Maharashtra MLAs to Gujarat on a chartered flight, as the party fears poaching by the Shiv Sena. Meanwhile, in the evening another seven Shiv Sena MLAs landed in Surat. They were flown from Delhi to Surat.

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Uddhav Thackeray to hold meeting with top leaders, MLAs tonight

Disciplinary action was needed, says Sanjay Raut on Eknath Shinde's sacking

Uddhav Thackeray's two aides in Surat, to seek meeting with Eknath Shinde

Two aides of Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray - Milind Narvekar and Ravindra Pathak - arein Surat now. Theywill seek a meeting with Eknath Shinde.

Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar will meet Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray this evening, according to media reports.

Was not aware of Shinde's chief ministerial ambition: Pawar

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said on Tuesday that it was never conveyed that Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde had chief ministerial ambitions, adding that a solution to the ongoing political crisis in Maharashtra would be found out soon.

"Shinde never conveyed (to us) that he wanted to be the Chief Minister (of Maharashtra). The Chief Minister's post is Shiv Sena's and this is an internal issue of that party," Pawar told mediapersons ahead of the opposition meeting to finalise a consensus candidate for the Presidential poll. (IANS)

Hours after being sacked from the party, firebrand politician Eknath Shinde removed 'Shiv Sena' from his Twitter bio.

Eknath Shinde: From humble beginnings to top leader

Firebrand politician Eknath Shinde is known for his organisation skills, spot decisions and loyalty. Often in the midst of problems and important work, Shiv Sena President and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray would make calls to a few people and Shinde would surely be one of them.

Shinde is the Urban Development Minister in the tri-party government. Besides that, the daredevil politician is also the Guardian Minister of the Gadchiroli district.

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BJP keeping an eye on the situation, says BJP state President Chandrakant Patil

Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde has friends across India, he might have called up and spoken to them to find an ideal place and perhaps advised about Gujarat, says BJP state President Chandrakant Patil.

He said that it's too early to say anything, we're currently waiting andkeeping an eye on the situation. Nor Eknath Shinde has sent a proposal to the BJP for government's formation neither the BJP has sent any proposal to him.

Maharashtra BJP Chief Chandrakant Patil is addressing the media now.

Shiv Sena removes Eknath Shinde as Legislative Party leader

The Shiv Sena has decided to remove Eknath Shinde as its Legislative party leader and Sewri MLA Ajay Chaudhary will be the new Shiv Sena Legislative Party leader, news agency ANI reported citing sources.

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Shiv Sena to remove Eknath Shinde as Legislative party leader

Shiv Sena has decided to remove Eknath Shinde as its Legislative party leader, Sewri MLA Ajay Chaudhary to be the new Shiv Sena Legislative Party leader: Sources

'Will never cheat for power', says 'missing' Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde

Political environment clear after Maha Council polls, people fed up of MVA govt: Union minister Danve

The political environment in Maharashtra is now clear after the Legislative Council elections and people are fed up with the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, Union Minister Raosaheb Danve said on Tuesday.

Maharashtra Congress calls meeting

The Maharashtra Congress has called a meeting of top leaders and senior MLAs in the wake of the emerging political developments. “We have called a meeting of MLAs and ministers,” state Congress president Nana Patole said.

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No question of going with BJP, says Sharad Pawar on options if govt falls in state

Uddhav will handle situation, assures Sharad Pawar

Eknath Shinde never told us about his CM ambitions; I am sure Uddhav Thackeray will handle the situation: Sharad Pawar on Maharashtra political crisis

Cross voting happens in such polls, nothing new in that; will find a solution: Sharad Pawar on Maharashtra Legislative Council poll results.

There is an attempt to pull down govt in Maharashtra, happening for the third time: NCP chief Sharad Pawar

DK Shivakumar assures that Maharashtra govt will remain 'stable'

Nothing is happening in Maharashtra, they'll (MLAs) come back and will remain a part of the government in the state. Our government in Maharashtra is & will remain stable: Congress leader DK Shivakumar on the political situation in Maharashtra

Veteran Congressman Kamal Nath is expected to arrive in Mumbai by tomorrow

I don't think that the MVA government is unstable, I don't think so, says Congress Legislature Party leader and state revenue minister Balasaheb Thorat

BJP to stake claim to form govt in Maharashtra?

Whatever is right for the people of Maharashtra will be done. Their interest is more important than their power. If it's needed for Maharashtra such a movement can take place: BJP leader Pravin Darekar, when asked about speculations that BJP will soon stake claims to form govt in the state.

As Maha Sena minister goes incommunicado, BJP says no role in it

MaharashtraBJP president Chandrakant Patil on Tuesday said his party has got nothing to do with political developments in the ruling Shiv Sena, whose minister Eknath Shinde has gone incommunicado along with some MLAs.

I will not comment on what is happening with any other party but we will discuss it in the right place if it is needed. This is not something to be discussed in public: Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan on some MLAs of Shiv Sena and Eknath Shinde currently not reachable

Eknath Shinde: From driver to Shiv Sena LP leader

From a humble autorickshaw and tempo driver to moving to the top legislative post in Shiv Sena,Eknath Shinde has come a long way. Shinde (55) is trusted by Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray for his skills and is also close to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

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Well done Eknath Shinde: BJP's Narayan Rane hails Sena MLA's rebellion

Amit Shah reaches BJP chief JP Nadda's house amid Maharashtra crisis

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reached BJP chief JP Nadda's house as the party goes on overdrive amid the Maharashtra political crisis.

I don't see any threat to MVA, but we are going to discuss in today's meeting how one of the Congresscandidates lost, what exactly happened and why, says former CM Prithviraj Chavan

Maharashtra MLC poll: Uddhav calls urgent meet after suspected cross-voting

The two-and-a-half-year-old Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government is now under threat with a group of MLAs led by party veteran Eknath Shinde reportedly in Gujarat’s trading town, Surat.

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Problems have cropped up in their party only due to instigating statements of Sanjay Raut. People won't tolerate - Eknath Shinde's rebellion is an example. Sanjay Raut should speak politely. He doesn't need to speak harshly on every matter: Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrakant Patil

Communication established with Maha Shiv Sena minister Eknath Shinde: Sanjay Raut

Turmoil on in Shiv Sena since day 1, claims Maharashtra Cong leader

In view of Maharashtra Shiv Sena minister Eknath Shinde going incommunicado and apparently camping in Gujarat along with some party MLAs after the state Legislative Council polls, a Maharashtra Congress minister on Tuesday claimed there was unrest in the Sena for about a week.