Rahul Shewale recognised as new LS leader: Eknath Shinde

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 19

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde today claimed that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had recognised Rahul Shewale, Mumbai South Central MP, as the Shiv Sena floor leader in the lower house.

Shewale leads the group of MPs owing allegiance to Shinde in the legacy war with Uddhav Thackeray and will replace Vinayak Raut (Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg MP) as the floor leader.

The development came after 12 Sena MPs (of the 19 in the Lok Sabha) met the Speaker in his chamber demanding recognition for their majority group in the House as the battle for claim over the Shiv Sena symbol intensified. Professing loyalty to Shinde in a massive setback for the Uddhav faction, the 12 MPs included Yavatmal’s Bhawna Gawli, the former chief whip who was recently removed by the ex-CM. They also appeared alongside Shinde during a press conference at the Maharashtra Sadan here. Shewale said Uddhav wanted to rejoin the BJP last year, but retracted at the last moment. “We had also asked Uddhav not to support Opposition candidate Margaret Alva in the vice-presidential election, but our views were disregarded,” he said.

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