A "national party" backs their "historic" rebellion: Sena rebel leader

Mumbai: Maharashtra's rebelling Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde revealed that "a national" party has termed his factions' move "historic" and promised all help required. The leader's rebellion is pushing the party to collapse, PTI reported.

Shinde's office released a video in which he was seen addressing his group of rebel MLAs at a Guwahati hotel. The members were seen unanimously authorising him to take further decisions on their behalf and were looking at him as their group leader. He is camping 37 Sena rebel MLAs and nine independents in Assam's Guwahati.

The video features Shinde saying, Our worries and happiness are the same. We are united, and victory will be ours. There is a national party, a 'mahashakti'...you know they vanquished Pakistan. That party has said that we have taken a historic decision and assured to provide all help."

Further, Shinde's office in Mumbai released a statement that the decision to authorise him to take a decision on their behalf was taken unanimously.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly's Deputy speaker Narhari Zirwal had approved appointing Ajay Choudhary as Shiv Sena group leader in the House, removing Shinde.

Reporters have asked Ajit Pawar, the Deputy CM of Maharashtra, whether BJP has a hand in the current developments, and he replied, "So far, no top BJP leader has been seen in the forefront." Nationalist Congress Party chief in the state Jayant Patil said that MVA still has the required majority. "The rebels haven't quit the Shiv Sena. They are sulking right now and will return," he said.