Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 3: The Shiv Sena (UBT) has taken sharp aim at Chief Justice of India B R Gavai, accusing the judiciary of failing to act decisively on the issue of MLA disqualification and weakening the spirit of democracy.

In a strongly worded editorial in party mouthpiece Saamna, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena said the CJI must “walk the talk” and act swiftly on similar disqualification cases in Maharashtra, just as the Supreme Court did in Telangana.

The editorial comes days after a Supreme Court bench headed by CJI Gavai directed the Telangana Assembly Speaker to decide within three months on the disqualification of 10 BRS MLAs who defected to the Congress following the 2023 elections. The court also expressed concern over the seven-month delay in issuing notices by the Speaker.

Citing this, the Sena (UBT) said, “If Justice Gavai and Justice A G Masih truly believe the anti-defection law is being blunted by partisan Speakers, they must revive the democracy that is collapsing at their doorstep.”

The editorial strongly questioned the Supreme Court’s silence on the mass defections in Maharashtra, pointing out that Shiv Sena and NCP factions are still awaiting decisions on their petitions. “The verdict should have come before the Assembly elections. Instead, hearings continue to be delayed, and justice seems lost in dates,” it stated.

The piece went on to draw parallels between the Telangana case and the political turmoil in Maharashtra: “What happened in Telangana also happened here—MLAs defected. The only difference is that those in Telangana joined Congress. If they had joined BJP, as per Amit Shah’s playbook, even the party symbol and name would have been handed over to them.”

Criticising the Election Commission, the editorial alleged it performed a “despicable act” by handing over the Shiv Sena name and bow-arrow symbol to the rebel camp. “Despite multiple appeals to the Supreme Court, the goddess of justice has remained blind, deaf, and mute,” it added.

The editorial reflects growing frustration within the UBT faction over what it sees as judicial inaction and political manipulation, calling for urgent reforms to uphold the Constitution and democratic values.