BJP introduces an 8-point agenda to counter the MVA coalition's challenge to the legitimacy of the Shinde-led government.

Following the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding the Shiv Sena split, the MVA coalition has taken an assertive approach to challenge the credibility of the Eknath Shinde-led faction and government.

The Maharashtra unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made a strategic decision to actively oppose the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition in the ongoing controversy surrounding the legitimacy of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena government in the state.

Following the Supreme Court verdict a week ago, the MVA coalition consisting of the Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena (UBT) parties has implemented a proactive approach to challenge the legitimacy of the Shinde faction and the government. This decision was prompted by the court's remarks regarding the involvement of former governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Speaker Rahul Narwekar, and chief whip Bharat Gogawale.

After a comprehensive analysis of the 140-page verdict, the senior leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has chosen to respond to the opposition's claims by highlighting that none of the eight requests presented by the party to the Supreme Court have been granted.

The BJP has instructed its members to passionately present their arguments and emphasize to the public that the courts have upheld the Shinde-led government in Maharashtra by refraining from reinstating the Thackeray government.

Fadnavis stated that the Thackeray faction has presented eight demands in court. These include challenging the Governor's decision to invite Eknath Shinde as Chief Minister, invalidating the appointment of Speaker Rahul Narwekar on July 3, 2022, rejecting the state legislative assembly proceedings and the confidence motion supporting CM Eknath Shinde. They also address the petitions seeking disqualification of Eknath Shinde and others under section 142 of the Constitution, dismissing the Speaker's letter dated July 3, 2022, disregarding the Governor's letter to Uddhav Thackeray dated June 28, 2022, and the Vidhan Bhawan secretariat letter. Additionally, they request the dismissal of the Speaker's summons under the 10th schedule and the suspension of the process initiated by Chief Whip Bharat Gogawale regarding the disqualification of elected members representing Shiv Sena. 

What is MVA coalition? 

The MVA coalition refers to the political alliance formed in Maharashtra, India, known as the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). It is a coalition of three political parties: the Shiv Sena, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and the Indian National Congress (INC). The MVA coalition came into existence after the 2019 Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections when the three parties joined forces to form a government in the state.

The MVA coalition was formed in November 2019 after the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections resulted in a fractured mandate. The coalition comprises three major political parties in Maharashtra: the Shiv Sena, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and the Indian National Congress (INC).

The Shiv Sena, a regional party with a strong base in Maharashtra, had initially contested the elections in an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, following disagreements over the sharing of the Chief Minister's post, the Shiv Sena broke away from the alliance and joined hands with the NCP and the INC to form the MVA coalition.

Under the MVA coalition, Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of the Shiv Sena, assumed the role of Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The NCP and the INC extended their support to the Shiv Sena-led government, which resulted in the formation of a non-BJP government in the state.

The MVA coalition has faced several challenges during its tenure, including differences in ideological perspectives and policy priorities among the three parties. However, they have managed to maintain their alliance and work together on various issues concerning governance and development in Maharashtra

The MVA government has focused on a range of issues such as agricultural reforms, infrastructure development, social welfare programs, and strengthening the state's economy. The coalition partners have sought to address regional and national concerns through collective decision-making and coordination. 

What the parties has to say about the verdict ? 

As per Chandrashekhar Bawankule, the state BJP president, the BJP is simply presenting factual information rather than creating speculative narratives. He states that the Supreme Court verdict has validated the legitimacy of the Shinde-Fadnavis government.

While acknowledging that public perception plays a crucial role in election outcomes, party insiders affirm that their arguments are based on accurate facts extracted from the court's verdict.

According to MVA political strategists, Fadnavis' eight-point agenda is seen as a shrewd tactic designed to align with the BJP's campaign objectives. Congress chief Nana Patole remarked that the Supreme Court has strongly criticized the Governor's role in the formation of the Shinde government.

Fadnavis stated that the Supreme Court did not accept any of the demands put forth by the Thackeray camp. Despite this, Thackeray is celebrating the verdict, claiming it to be in their favor, as per Fadnavis.